The house is part of the award-winning Hawkesbury Regional Museum, and is expected to create a great deal of interest in the Hawkesbury and beyond.
"Howe House holds a very special place in Australian history," says Acting Museum Director, Diana Robson. "It is situated on a land grant made by Governor Macquarie in 1811, and was visited by two later governors, Gipps and FitzRoy. It witnessed the catastrophic flood of 1867, served as a newspaper office and an inn, and for 40 years welcomed visitors to the Hawkesbury through its role as a community museum and visitor information centre".
According to Diana, the house has been fitted out with furnishings and displays that reflect its many uses over time. Specially-trained volunteer guides will point out interesting architectural features, and entertain visitors with stories about some of the house’s many occupants, including John Howe, after whom the house is named.
After the death in 1810 of Andrew Thompson, the district’s most prominent citizen, Howe took over much of Thompson’s business, running a store and obtaining his auctioneer’s licence, as well as being Government Appraiser and Coroner.
Officiating at the opening was Hawkesbury Mayor, Councillor Kim Ford who said; “Today we can reflect on our past, by literally opening the past for generations to admire, appreciate and learn – that is why we have restored Howe House to its former glory, ensuring it will stand the test of time for many generations to come”.
Howe House is registered as a historic building, being a typical Georgian Inn that is vital in retaining the urban colonial character of Thompson Square.
Howe House is part of the Hawkesbury Regional Museum, and its main purpose will be to provide an opportunity for school students to study a significant heritage site, including the ways of life of the people who lived there. With a dedicated Education Officer on board, the museum is also developing programs to help deliver the National Curriculum.
Howe House will be open every weekend with guided tours taking place at 11am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, and Monday to Friday by appointment only.
