Glengallan unveils new centre
BEV Browne is a volunteer at Glengallan Homestead but she had another special reason to be at the opening of the Family History Centre yesterday.
She has a connection to three of the family histories on display at the homestead.
Mrs Browne is a descendant of Henry and Elizabeth Smith of Freestone.
She is also a descendant of George and Sarah Maria Willett, a family boasting three generations who worked on the Glengallan property.
“They owned land at Freestone and worked at Glengallan,” Mrs Browne said.
“I love family history.
“A sword originally donated to George Willett is on display at Glengallan.”
Mrs Browne’s husband Joe is part of the Hemmings family history on display at Glengallan but said he would like to know more about the history of the Browne side.
“I urge young people to record history now,” he said.
“It is easy with modern technology.
“I think the horse has bolted with some of the Browne family history.”
The Family History Centre at Glengallan Homestead was yesterday opened by Brian Randall, the manager of collections at the John Oxley Library.
He has been to Glengallan on many occasions and said it was one of the earliest pastoral stations.
