Trust Management
Our Mission
Established in 1966, by indenture with Henley and Grange Council (now part of Charles Sturt Council), the Charles Sturt Memorial Museum Trust Incorporated is a South Australian Incorporated Association. It is registered with the ACNC - Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission.
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The historic precinct managed by the Trust includes The Grange, the galleries, the park surrounding the house and the heritage garden.
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Our mission is to conserve, manage and promote, with imagination, creativity and excellence, the life, times and achievements of one of the greatest colonial explorers, Captain Charles Sturt.
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An honorary auditor reviews the finances and we engage a financial manager to assist with investments.
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The Board is responsible for day to day running of the precinct and all operations. As the Historic Precinct is entirely volunteer run, members also undertake various volunteer activities such as house and garden maintenance, guiding tours for visitors and caretakers for events. Collection management, research and exhibitions is the responsibility of the Hon. Curator.
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We support the efforts of the Henley & Grange Historical Society,
the Victoriana Society of South Australia, the Fort Glanville Historical Association and the Adelaide Regiment 1862.
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Accreditations
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Registered State Heritage Item No. 6628-10567
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Registered Member of the History Trust of South Australia MaC Program
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Endorsed by the Children’s University Australasia as a Learning Destination for students
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Registered Charity - ACNC
Trustees
Patron: The Hon. Dean Brown AO, former Premier of South Australia
President: Merle Weston
Chair: Anthony Botten
Vice Presidents: Graham Pike, Prof. Scott Smith, Anne McCutcheon
Hon. Secretary: Margaret Phillips (Hon. Curator)
Hon. Treasurer: Acting, Margaret Phillips
Ordinary Members: David Posaner, Julie Dini, Dr Walter Dollman, Lyndon Zimmerman
Contact
Postal Address: Charles Sturt Memorial Museum Trust Inc. PO Box 243 Henley Beach SA 5022
Email: info@charlessturtmuseum.org.au
Telephone: +61 8 8356 8185
History of the Trust
Captain Charles Sturt’s Birthday toast on 28th April 1968.
Trust Formation
Napier Sturt
In 1955, a committee of concerned citizens, many of whom were very prominent people in South Australia, was established to save the colonial home of the explorer Captain Charles Sturt and to preserve it for future generations. The newly formed National Trust of South Australia lent its weight to the effort and generated public support to save the Grange.
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At this time it was evident that the fabric of this historic building had fallen into disrepair, and it was feared it was in imminent danger of demolition by the owner. The Henley & Grange Council with the considerable efforts of the Mayor, the late D. J. Newlands, stepped in and purchased the property in 1956.
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In 1960 The Charles Sturt Memorial Museum Trust was formed and incorporated to restore Sturt’s home to its former glory. The Board was tasked with raising the funds to carry out the restoration work, they were ably supported in this venture by the then Premier of South Australia, The Honourable Sir Thomas Playford KCMG MP and a number of leading businessowners.
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In April 1966, the Corporation of the Town of Henley & Grange gifted the title of the house and its associated land to the Charles Sturt Memorial Museum Trust Inc. subject to a caveat requiring it to restore and maintain the property as a memorial museum and tourist attraction.
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Following restoration of the house, a quantity of furniture, artworks, documents and artefacts belonging to Captain Charles Sturt and his family, were gifted to the Trust by his grandchildren, Geoffrey and Katherine Sturt, and his great grandson, Anthony Sturt. His great nephew the Reverend Napier Sturt bequeathed a considerable sum of money to the Trust, whilst another great nephew, David Sturt-Bray donated several family heirlooms.
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The museum was officially opened 2 October 1967 by the Governor Sir Eric Bastyan A commemorative plaque was unveiled in front of 300 guests. This was followed by Miss Caroline Sturt, the great great granddaughter of Captain Sturt who officially handed over the Sturt Collection.
Membership
The Trust welcomes new members. There is a modest annual fee for this voluntary organisation entrusted with the conservation and preservation of The Grange historic precinct. Members receive the newsletter, Explore and invitations to Sturt’s Birthday Celebrations in April as well as the AGM held in November each year.
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Members may choose to take up the opportunity to stand for and serve on the Board which meets on the evening of the second Wednesday of each month. The Board positions are – President; Vice President (3), Chairperson; Hon Treasurer, Hon Secretary and 4 ‘ordinary’ members.
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Volunteers
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​The volunteers and others closely associated with the Trust form the group of Friends of The Grange. This group of people are invited to events, provided with newsletters and are often part of the day-to-day operations of the historic precinct. All operational activity by volunteers on site is fully covered by insurance.