A community meeting was held on Sunday, 30 August, 2026, to discuss the future of the Glen Museum and the important question of how Portland’s history and memories can be preserved for future generations.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the Museum’s future, the significance of the Charlie Pinch Collection and the need to ensure that the work undertaken over recent years is carried forward.
The Glen has evolved considerably over the past decade. What began as Charlie Pinch’s remarkable private collection has developed into a professionally presented community museum, with cataloguing of its extensive collection underway, increasing organised group visitation and growing recognition of its significance.
After an association with the Glen extending over almost ten years, including what will then be nine years as President, Stephen Graham will step down as President on 30 June 2027. The Museum will now seek a suitably qualified and experienced Museum Director to provide professional leadership, maintain the momentum already established and develop a sustainable operating and succession model for the Glen’s future.
As part of this next stage, the Museum also proposes a different approach to public access. Rather than relying principally upon regular weekend opening, the Glen will concentrate increasingly upon organised group visits, visits by arrangement and a program of special exhibitions.
These exhibitions will run for defined periods and draw upon the Glen’s extensive collection to tell particular stories from Portland’s history. Community members will be encouraged to contribute to individual exhibitions according to their interests, knowledge and available time, working as part of an Exhibition Project Team rather than having to make an ongoing commitment to a regular volunteer roster.
It is proposed that the first special exhibition will explore the history of the Portland Band, bringing together musical instruments, photographs, memorabilia and, importantly, the memories and stories of those who have been associated with Portland’s musical life.
Expressions of interest are now invited from anyone who would like to become involved in developing the Portland Band exhibition. No particular museum experience is required as training will be provided. We would particularly like to hear from people with knowledge of the Band or Portland’s musical history, those who may have photographs, memorabilia or stories to contribute, and anyone interested in helping research, organise or present the exhibition.
The Portland Band exhibition will be the first in a proposed series of special exhibitions drawing upon both the Glen’s collection and the knowledge and memories of the Portland community.
The Glen’s purpose is not simply to preserve old objects. Those objects provide the evidence of Portland’s memories; of the people who worked here, raised families here, improvised, created, celebrated and built a community. The challenge now is to ensure that both the objects and the stories attached to them are carried forward.
The Glen Museum has reached a point of transition, but also one of considerable opportunity. The task over the coming months will be to establish a model capable of carrying that momentum into the future and ensuring that the Glen continues to contribute to Portland and its community.
Anyone interested in contributing to the proposed Portland Band exhibition is invited to contact: The Glen Museum | 0407 001 464 | glen.museum@yahoo.com
