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.
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.