Tasmanian Maritime Museum

The Museum

Tasmanian Maritime is a private maritime museum dedicated to the history of the sea, ships, and shipbuilding of Tasmania, and is located at Carnegie House in Sullivans Cove, Hobart, Tasmania.

History

Tasmania's maritime history dates back to before British settlement and colonization of the island. Tasmanian Aboriginal people were known for having strong ties to the sea, and the surrounding islands. Since the arrival by sea of the British in 1803, Tasmania has a continuous history of shipping, maritime trade, fishing and other maritime activities. Museum complexes document and display objects and artefacts related to this history. Some maritime enthusiasts in the 1930s argued that the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery should include a room dedicated to Tasmanian maritime history. Even so, it was not until 1972 that six volunteers founded the Tasmanian Maritime Museum. The museum was originally housed in St. George's Church, Battery Point, and was opened in 1973, with the official opening taking place in 1974.

Development

In 1983, the museum moved to Secheron House (built 1831), a much larger location which allowed the museum to expand. In 1999 the Tasmanian Government decided to sell Secheron House and the museum was moved and converted into a major educational institution and public attraction. The museum was relocated to its current premises, Carnegie House, located next to the Sullivans Cove harbours, very close of the Financial District and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The museum was reopened as the Tasmanian Maritime Museum by Queen Elizabeth II on 28 March 2000.