Opening hours
The museum is open the first Sunday of every month from 11am – 4pm (Closed January and Easter Sunday)
Discover the heart of Polish heritage in Australia
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Uncover stories of faith and resilience
The Polish Hill River Church Museum Inc (PHRCM) houses a diverse collection of exhibits that explore the rich history of Polish migration to South Australia. From historical documents and artefacts to personal items brought by early Polish settlers, the museum offers a glimpse into the lives of Polish people since the 1850s.
The exhibits also feature a collection of photographs, clothing, and books, providing a visual and textual narrative of Polish migration history to the present day. The Museum is housed in a heritage-listed building, a reconstructed 1870s-era church with four adjoining classrooms.
Wedding dress
This beautiful silk two piece outfit was used by FRANCESKA (Wayman) KOSTERA on her wedding day 19th October 1879. Franceska married Pawel Kostera who arrived at Port Adelaide on the 26th November 1874 in the “Dinnpore” sailing from London.
Donated by Mary Fitzimons (granddaughter , June 2016)
Hon Mike Rann M.P’s Bible
The Hon Mike Rann M.P. South Australia’s 44th Premier, sworn in for his third term as Premier at Government House, Adelaide, on the 25 March 2010, with his Polish bible.
Painting of St Stanislaw Kostka
The painting of St. Stanislaw Kostka, the patron saint of the Church, was brought from Poland by Father Rogalski who set foot on Australian soil in Melbourne on 20 March 1870. In 2016, the museum and the Polish community celebrated Father Rogalski's arrival. He was the first Polish priest to come to Australia and serve the Clare Valley community. The original painting is now kept in the Monastery in Seven Hill. The Jesuit priests made a copy of the painting and donated it to the museum.
The Madonna of Kozielsk
Photograph of a bas-relief made on the linden board of an old door. Photo taken before polychroming. Sculptor - Tadeusz Zielinski - prisoner-of-war (1940-42) in the Kozielsk and Griazowiec camps in the former Soviet Union. He was one of only 448 Survivors from 14500 Polish officers who were prisoners-of-war in the former USSR. The work was created by Zielinski in secret, using steel rods as tools. This picture is donated to the Polish Hill River Church Museum by Hanna Paszkowska whose father was also one of the 448 survivors. He carried this picture with him out of the P.O.W. Camp and throughout various battlefields in Europe.
Ready to step back in time?
Plan your visitExplore our library
The Polish Hill River Church Museum has an abundance of archival material in the form of artefacts, photos, documents, recordings, films and books covering the migration of the Polish people to Australia and in particular to South Australia from the early 19 th century. The library hosts a collection of books covering family genealogy as well as personal bibliographies and organisational histories. Access can be arranged by application.
Apply for Library AccessBooks for sale
The Polish Migration Museum offers a small but carefully curated selection of books that delve into the rich history and experiences of Polish migrants. Visitors can purchase "Portrait of a Polish Migrant Chaplain" in both English and Polish, providing a unique glimpse into the spiritual lives of Polish communities abroad. Additionally, "150 Years of Polish Settlement in SA 1856-2006" chronicles the significant contributions of Polish immigrants to South Australia over the past century and a half. These books serve as valuable resources for those seeking to learn more about the Polish diaspora and its enduring legacy.
Portrait of a Polish Migrant Chaplain as Depicted in His Letters From Australia (English)
$10 plus postage $12 (or $15 Express)
Enquire now
Portrait of a Polish Migrant Chaplain as Depicted in His Letters From Australia (Polish)
$10 plus postage $12 (or $15 Express)
Enquire now