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About the museum

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Opening hours

The museum is open the first Sunday of every month from 11am – 4pm (Closed January and Easter Sunday)

Location

Polish Hill River Church Museum

225B Polish Hill Rd,
Polish Hill River SA 5453

Admission

Free during standard hours. Additional charges apply for special openings to cover volunteer costs.

History of the Polish Hill Church Museum

On October 9, 1988, the Polish Hill River Museum was officially opened – three small rooms that once served as a schoolroom, sacristy, and living quarters. Each of these rooms was used to set up exhibitions. The first room displayed memorabilia from the pioneers, mainly enlarged photographs. The second room, curated by M. Wolański, was rich in documents. The third room, titled "Memory from Poland" and curated by T. Murawski, featured paintings from the Christmas series and historical artworks. 

History of the museum

Pioneers & descendants

The beginnings of Polish immigration to Australia date back to the 19th century, with one of the key events in this history being the settlement of the first group of Poles in 1856 in the town of Polish Hill River in Clare Valley. These were settlers mainly from the Greater Poland region, who contributed to the establishment of a small but significant Polish community in South Australia. Although this community eventually faded, its legacy is still visible through the restoration of the church, which since 1988 has housed the Polish Hill River Church Museum of Polish Immigration.

Post-WWII migration

Until the end of World War II, the Polish community in Australia was relatively small. It wasn’t until after the war, between 1947 and 1954, that over 50,000 Poles—veterans, concentration camp survivors, and refugees—arrived in Australia. Another significant wave occurred between 1957 and 1966, with around 15,000 people arriving during that time.

Solidarity

The years 1980–1991 brought another wave of emigration, mainly for political and economic reasons, during which more than 25,000 Poles found a new home in Australia. This is referred to as the “Solidarity” emigration.

Present migration

Presently Poles migrate to Australia primarily for better job opportunities, a higher quality of life, and family prospects. Over the last few decades, many Poles have used skilled migration programs or come to study at universities.
According to 2021 data, around 46,000 people in Australia were born in Poland, with new arrivals revitalising cultural events, language schools, and community life. For many Poles, migration represents a chance to combine professional growth with a high standard of living. Despite the distance from Europe, Australia continues to attract Poles seeking new opportunities and a 
fresh start.

Historical resources

Early Settlement

Post War Migration

Contemporary History

Events

Radio and Interviews

Past and present committee members

While every effort has been made to accurately compile this list of past committee members, there may be instances where names are missing or historical details are unclear. If you notice an omission or have information that could help us complete this record, we warmly invite you to contact the Polish Hill River Church Museum.

Become a member

Join the Polish Hill River Church Museum Committee and become a part of our mission to preserve the rich history of Polish migration in Australia. Membership is free. Join today and become a part of our vibrant community.

Become a member

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