Bowen’s rich maritime history

Nov 7

The Bowen Museum and Historical Society are working on their significant maritime collection with the support of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).

NQBP have engaged Ewen McPhee to work with the Museum to refresh their maritime display and to train the volunteers in exhibition research and design. The maritime collection consists of photographs, objects from shipwrecks, objects and stories from the Bowen jetty and the North Head lighthouse. Associated industries that used the wharf, such as the meat works are also represented through objects, documents and photographs held by the museum.

Ewen worked with the volunteers to make object supports to ensure they were presented in the best way for display and conservation purposes. Ewen and the volunteers also regrouped all of the objects on display into themes allowing a thematic approach to be taken for the exhibition.

One of the interesting sub collections is the sailing photographs and objects. Recreational sailing has always been a popular pastime and sport in Bowen with the natural harbour and reliable winds making it ideal. The museum has many historic photos of timber sailing vessels competing in races and trophies and pendants as race memorabilia.

The museum is also interested in contemporary collecting and is working with NQBP to collect photographs and objects from the Port of Abbot Point.

Ewen will continue working with the Bowen Museum and Historical Society in 2018 on the maritime collection with the support on NQBP.