Mary MacKillop Museum was established in 2007 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. It tells Mary’s story with particular emphasis on her work in Victoria, providing opportunities for all to experience and be challenged by her exemplary life, words and contribution to the Josephite heritage. 

Permanent Exhibitions 

The Mary MacKillop Museum comprises an orientation room and four consecutive gallery spaces. Mary’s story is told through a curated collection of relics, artefacts, books, textiles, artwork and audio-visual displays. 

The Temporary Gallery 

This gallery changes on a regular basis, three to four times per year. Displays mounted in the focus on specific topics related to Mary MacKillop and groups and associations involved with the charism, spirit and work of the sisters. 

Current Exhibition 

Mary MacKillop: The Traveller 

This new exhibition curated by Sofie Denis celebrates Mary MacKillop’s travels both at home and abroad, showcasing the museum’s collection of travel-related objects. 

Online Exhibitions 

Mary of the Cross
Mary’s Portland
Julian Tenison Woods 
Audio Tour

Foundation Room

In this room visitors can listen to the story of the arrival of the first community of Sisters of Saint Joseph in Tasmania, at Westbury in 1887. Sister Francis McCarthy recalls the voyage of the founding group of sisters and their pioneering work in establishing the early schools and religious communities in Tasmania. A brief biography of each of the five sisters is presented, as well as Father Julian’s writings about the community and school lives of the sisters.

History Room

The History Room tells the story of the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s involvement in Tasmanian Catholic Education and Parish life since 1887. The History Room will transport you back in time to the last half of the nineteenth century, to witness the day-to-day life of the sisters living in a religious community and in service to Catholic education. Biographical information on every Sister who has lived, served or died in Tasmania is on display, including information about each Sister’s birth, family, reception, profession, service, death and burial.

Father Julian’s Room

Father Julian’s room depicts the co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in his multi-gifted dimensions — as a missioner-priest, educator, geologist, environmentalist, artist, poet and writer. Selections of his illustrations and writings about the Tasmanian environment and its flora and fauna are presented, as well as a selection of books he authored and artifacts from his time as a missioner in the Huon area.

Artifact Rooms

The Artifact Rooms contain artifacts from the schools which the sisters founded or held custodianship of, artifacts from the time of Mary MacKillop’s canonisation and well-loved personal articles of prayer and daily industry.

Heritage Schoolhouse

The Heritage Schoolhouse takes visitors back in time to view an early school classroom complete with the Josephite timetable for learning each day, wooden desks with ink wells, blackboard and teaching methods of the time. The Schoolhouse showcases the innovations in education made by Mary MacKillop as a pioneer educator and her pioneering Sisters of St Joseph in Tasmania who commenced teaching in Westbury in 1887 and on the Sacred Heart College site in 1888.

The St Joseph’s Boys’ Home Museum holds a collection of artefacts representing many stories throughout 1887 – 1966. These include Mary MacKillop’s Reflection Room, a large range of historical photos and books, and photos and stories of boys who lived in the home.

History of the Home

In 1887, the presbytery and grounds at Kincumber were placed by Cardinal Moran at the disposal of the Institute of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Dean Sheridan made the necessary arrangements for three sisters and 22 boys to take up residence at Kincumber from the Providence in Cumberland Street.

In 1889, an adjoining block of 30 acres was purchased for £300, on the financial advice of Dean Sheridan. Later, Dean Sheridan assisted the sisters to acquire a further 100 acres — land that was known as Killarney and Tara. Gradually more land came under cultivation.

In the 1880s the area was still quite isolated and most goods were transported by water. The boys had to learn the skills of living and working for a country life. The work of farming, dairying, gardening, baking and carpentry was some of the early work they were trained in. With unemployment high in the cities by the 1890s, the intention was also for them to grow up skilled and be able to find work in the country.

From 1887 until 1966, the site of the St Joseph’s at Kincumber continued as the Home for Boys established by Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. In the early sixties the site was used solely for retreats.

This little slice of South Australian history focuses on the story of Mary and her pioneering sisters, offering an interactive, hands-on learning experience that will touch your heart.

This award-winning museum uses audio and visual storytelling to engage and inspire individuals, groups and schools. Our volunteers are always ready to give visitors a warm welcome to this special place of discovery and inspiration.

The museum also includes a gift shop that stocks a range of books, memorabilia, beautiful gifts and unique handcrafted cards that are perfect for special occasions.

For adult or school group bookings, please contact the centre directly at .