OUR ENTITIES
How the Abbey Community Built a Museum in Caboolture
The Abbey Museum Caboolture traces its roots to England in 1934, to crates of artefacts that sat in a shed for years, waiting for the right person to bring them to life.
The Abbey Museum Caboolture Story Began in England
The Abbey Community brought with them from England several crates filled with historical artefacts originally displayed in the Abbey Folk Park (1934-40) in New Barnet, England. While the Community worked to support themselves and establish a new home, the crates were stored in an old shed and languished there for several years until a few artefacts were put on display in a demountable building that welcomed the occasional visitor.
From childhood, John Ward was an avid collector of historical art and artefacts. In 1934 the Community opened a revolutionary new educational concept in Britain, with an open air museum called the Abbey Folk Park. Rather than displaying objects in cases, Ward used historical reconstructions of prehistoric dwellings and old buildings saved from destruction, to display thousands of antiquities donated by a fascinated public. For a brief span it enjoyed fame as a major educational museum but was forced to close its doors during World War II.
Built by Community Hands: A Heritage Museum Opens in 1986
In the 1980s, Michael Strong was appointed as Director of the Museum. It had been obvious from a very early age that Michael had a passion and a deep interest in understanding the objects brought to Queensland from the Abbey Folk Park. Prior to taking on the role as Museum Director, Michael worked in the Abbey piggery, and it was here that late at night while watching sows farrowing (to ensure the newborn piglets were safe) that Michael would study history books. Assistance from staff at the Queensland Museum and a course at the University of Queensland laid the foundation for Michael’s future work in the Museum. The State Government also funded two study trips to the UK which was crucial in giving him a greater understanding of museums and heritage.
A Board was formed in 1980 and a decision made to build a new museum to display the collection; Michael was tasked with raising the necessary funds. Around $1 million was raised through philanthropic or government grants or in-kind support and donations. Staff from the Queensland Museum helped design the new displays. During the day, he wrote the labels and created the artefact mounts, assisted by Community members after work in the evening to help where needed to ensure the Museum opened on time.
The new Museum was opened on 28th June 1986 by the State’s treasurer, Sir Gordon Chalk.
“Of such wonderful connections is the joy of education and inspiration.”
Abbey Museum, Celebrating Four Decades, 2026
The Community That Keeps the Abbey Museum Caboolture Alive
In 1993 Edith took over management of the Museum. She was passionate about growing the festival to be as historically accurate and authentic as possible while providing visitors with an immersive experience of art, culture and all aspects of daily life in the Middle Ages. Over the intervening years it has grown to become the largest medieval festival in the southern hemisphere, annually attracting around 25,000 visitors. Community members are still actively involved assisting with the festival activities and over the weekend parking cars, working on the ticketing gates, or the College food stall. The Festival now features a medieval banquet (where Community members assist with the washing up for the 300 plus guests) and a family fun day designed for greater accessibility and parents with young children.
Like many cultural organisations the Museum was greatly impacted on by Covid. This was of great concern to the Abbey Community members, and many discussions were had as to how the Museum would come back from this difficult situation. Advocacy from Community members resulted in support from the Australian Government and the Moreton Bay Regional Council which enabled the Museum to get back on track. Support also came from the Queensland State Government in the form of a $1.7 million dollar grant to build a long-wished for Art Gallery and cafe extension. This was a huge undertaking and again our Community members were actively involved in the Art Gallery subcommittee planning and making the many decisions needed to bring our dream to reality. We are particularly grateful for Br Edward whose practical knowledge and building acumen guided many decisions and prevented several potential mistakes.
With additional funds raised from the Abbey Museum Medieval Festival and generous donations from numerous supporters, the Art Gallery was completed and opened to the public in February 2025. We were all very excited to attend the Opening celebrations and view the inaugural exhibition, Inspired Images: the Arts of Faith, which continues the legacy of our founder, Rev. John Ward, and the Museum’s vision to enrich the lives of visitors through the stories that come from the collection.
In 1990 the Museum was registered as a not-for-profit charity with its own governance structure. Community members, Sr Veronica and Br Edward remain actively engaged on the Museum’s Board guiding the strategic direction and also supporting its activities and public programs.
Ready to plan your visit the Abbey Museum?
Plan your visit, explore the collections, and find out what’s on at abbeymuseum.com.au
Continue Exploring
Abbey Museum
The Abbey Community brought collections from England and established a museum in 1986, home to the Abbey Medieval Festival.
The Abbey Church
An Orthodox Catholic church offering Sunday Holy Communion, evening meditation, and sacramental care.
St Michael’s College
An independent co-educational P-6 school and Early Learning Centre, grounded in the ethos of the Abbey Community.
Abbey Farm
A working dairy farm, orchard, and organic garden that has sustained the Community for 60 years.
Retreats
Nine quiet rooms, a refectory, library, chapel, and courtyard garden for personal retreat and group programs.