Samford Museum - Old Fashioned Family Fun

The spirit of yesteryear is alive and well at the Samford Museum, where Brisbane Kids can step back in time and experience life before modern convenience.

Things to See and Do at Samford Museum

Since the Samford Museum opened in 1986, its members have been collecting objects from the district’s rural, domestic, educational, railway, timber, transport and local village history.

The museum houses an array of fascinating antiques (including an old school toy collection) within old-fashioned, purpose built buildings that provide visitors with a real sense of what life was like in the 19th and 20th centuries.

You can step inside the Grovely Train Station building and the Albany Creek State School headmaster’s residence. The museum is also the starting point for the Samford Village Heritage Trail.

On the first Sunday of each month, a blacksmith is at work, demonstrating his craft. Passionate volunteers run the museum and are always available to explain or demonstrate how things work. As you wander the exhibits, you may see a volunteer working away. The volunteers also have a thorough understanding of the Samford regions history.

Educational programs for school groups are available. During a school visit, volunteers dress in clothing of the era and undertake everyday tasks. Hands-on experiences involve students by writing on slate while sitting at the desks in the replica school, putting some hand washing through a washing copper and seeing milk churned into butter the old fashioned way. Bookings are essential and further information about the program is available on the website.

Family Events at Samford Museum

Annually, Samford Museum opens its doors to celebrate Australia Day on the 26th of January and ANZAC Day on the 25th of April. Each year the celebrations will feature different experiences, so to find out more, contact the Museum.

Research your Family History

If you are interested in researching family members who lived in the Samford District, there are photo albums, a collection of maps dating from 1864, Samford Reminiscences publications and other published local history books to view.

Accessibility at Samford Museum

Samford Museum is mostly wheelchair accessible due to the flat footpaths. Some exhibits are located in old-fashioned buildings with front steps.

Accessible parking is located outside on Station Street and the toilet facilities are wheelchair friendly.

Samford Museum features

Accessible toilet facilities
Original Grovely train station building
Farm machinery display
Replica 1872 school building
Horse and cart display
War memories exhibit
Blacksmith at work (first Sunday of the month)
Family history research resources
Special events held annually
Small shop selling publications and other resource material
Group and school bookings available
Accessible parking

What We Thought of Samford Museum

We think Samford Museum is a great location for Brisbane Kids to take their parents and grandparents for a visit. It will take you back in time and open many opportunities for discussion (and realisation) about how life and technologies have evolved.

Planning your Visit to Samford Museum

The museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10am until 4pm and at other times by special arrangement. A small admission fee is required for entry to the Samford Museum.

Visit the Samford Museum website for more information.

More Family Fun in Samford Village

Today, visitors can enjoy the modern facilities of Samford Village which grew around the historic Samford Railway Station, now the site of the John Scott Park. If you want to make a day of it, pack a picnic or enjoy a meal at one of Samford’s family-friendly restaurants.