Old Police Station and Courthouse Museum

The Clare Branch of the National Trust SA opened its Museum in September 1970. It is housed in an attractive stone and brick building on the edge of town, which was Clare’s first Police Station and Court House – built in 1850. Surprisingly, the building was later used as a Casualty Hospital until the Clare Hospital was opened.

The Museum houses a broad collection of objects donated by individuals and families which have a strong connection to the local community ranging from costumes, homewares and commercial items to agricultural equipment. It illustrates through these objects how people lived and worked from the 19th Century onwards.

Special displays on particular subjects are rotated, often to coincide with events such as Anzac Day and sporting events.

The Museum is opened for groups, school children and individuals outside its regular open hours, by appointment. It is also a Learning Destination for the Australian Children’s University Adelaide