WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE
DENMAN'S MAJOR VISITOR ATTRACTION
TOP OF THE HUNTER VALLEY - NSW
Jeff Wolfgang has a special interest in things mechanical and over a lifetime has not only collected, but restored to working order, many items of historical significance. He has a particular passion for inventiveness and as such his favourite items are usually one-off pieces developed through necessity at the time.
For over ten years, the Denman and District Men’s Shed has worked tirelessly through many development options to bring to fruition the dream of a permanent home to display the works. Only with the support of the Muswellbrook Shire Council and the generous pockets of various local mining companies has this been achievable.
A separate non-profit charity, the Denman and District Heritage Village owns the exhibits and runs the Village all staffed by local volunteers.
The inspiration for the collection extends well back in history. William Wolfgang was appointed by the Governor of NSW in 1852 to establish a wine industry in the Hunter Valley, whereupon he settled in Merton (which later became Denman). His grandson, (Bonny – Jeff’s father) was a dairy farmer and in the 1930’s Jeff recalls that “he could repair anything mechanical”. Thus began the passion for collecting, restoring and preserving all things historical. To the current day, William’s descendants remain on local properties and are determined that the history be preserved here in Denman.
Jeff once lived in a convict-built hotel in Jerrys Plains, the Queen Victoria. It was damaged by fire then demolished in 1980 which was a loss for the Upper Hunter history, the likes of which Jeff does not like to see.
He caught the collection bug after finding a convict’s ball and chain under the floor boards of the old building and has since collected other convict pieces including man-traps used to deter escapees and a steel framed bed bearing the broad arrow symbol.
VISITOR TESTIMONIALS
Ryan and Indya: "Brilliant, interesting and well done!"​
Wren (almost 3 years old): "Thank you for showing me all the toys and machines: I like the builder toys"!
Laurie and Christine: "Great displays. What Jeff has done is amazing and will be enjoyed for many generations of visitors to this brilliant museum."
Ellen and Suki: "Amazing! Fantastic to see and hear all about the cars, bikes and things from the past."
Don and Sue: "Outstanding collection of the spirit of our ancestors. Glad to see history preserved and so well laid out. Keep up the good work and thank you so much."
Paula, Denis, Geoff: "Great asset for our community, incredible museum, great memories. Fantastic!"
Helen: "Love the building, the collection and the volunteers."
East Gippsland Historical Society Member: "Would have to be one of the best."
Jenni from England: "Fantastic collection and a whole world of knowledge."
Kerry: "More than your ordinary museum."
Kevin and Lynn: "Fantastic collection, laid out so well. Memories and smiles came flooding back...."
Ian and Chris, South Australia: "Fantastic original collection of exhibits not seen before."
5 Bogans in a bus, Port Stephens: "Absolutely awesome. Had to come back a second time to see it all."
Anna and Phil: "Fascinating collection. So grateful to be able to learn about all these wonderful contraptions. Thank you."
Tanya: "Fantastic collection with unique stuff. Thank you for showing me around and for the stories to go with the displays."​