Learn more about Meroogal
Discover the history of the house, the people who lived there, and the collection still held within the walls of this historic property.
Subjects range from the practical, like how to make the best 'Meroogal sponge’, to heartbreaking accounts of war service and the death of a favourite great-nephew during World War I, along with glimpses of the house’s interiors.
Interiors of Meroogal
Pictures catalogue
There are 130 historical images of Meroogal, its interiors and residents available on the Museums of History NSW pictures catalogue.
The library at Meroogal
The original library at Meroogal has almost 400 books, magazines and other reading materials which date from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century. Many of these items are associated with former residents of the house and show evidence of their use. This collection provides information about literary interests and trends, religious and cultural influences and clues into the inner lives of the people of Meroogal.
Treasures from Meroogal
This assemblage of objects has been drawn from Meroogal’s collection. The selection ranges from family jewels to favourite hats, from pieces of sheet music to children's toys. Each object has been chosen for its capacity to tell a particular story but collectively they speak of love, loss and lives lived.
Meroogal Women's Art Prize
Meroogal Women’s Art Prize
Museums of History NSW is excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2024 Meroogal Women’s Art Prize, with a prize pool of over $10,000
Stories from Meroogal
Reviving an heirloom recipe
Wedged between the pages of an old family cookbook is a manuscript recipe for Meroogal Sponge
Museum stories
Make yourself at home
Meroogal became home to four generations of resilient and resourceful women, whose house was their livelihood as well as their home
A home of their own
A young woman of the Victorian era, Tot Thorburn had suitors and male friends but chose not to marry. She enjoyed a long and happy life with her sisters at Meroogal
Guidebook
The Meroogal guidebook is an inspirational resource containing the history of the house and the family who lived there, as well as many beautiful historical photographs.
Published on
More stories from Meroogal
Browse allCelebrating women artists across NSW
The Meroogal Women’s Art Prize, now in its 19th year, was launched on 16 September 2022
In conversation with Ebony Russell
We sat down with the winner of the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2022
Baubles, brooches & beads
We wear jewellery as articles of dress and fashion and for sentimental reasons – as tokens of love, as symbols of mourning, as souvenirs of travel