Discover the history of the Redlands

The library has been fitted out with funding from the Rotary Clubs of the Redlands.

The exhibition will include books, publications and documents and a miscellany of fascinating documents of historical significance.

The exhibition provides an opportunity for viewers to acquaint themselves with the museum’s extensive collection which cannot always be displayed.

Among the items exhibited is a diary handwritten by a warder from the St Helena Island penal institution,  from 1897.

Also included is the 1716 St James Bible which belonged to Joseph Clark, Cleveland’s first squatter.

Mr Clark had a pastoral licence to run his cattle over most of the district in the 1850s.

He built his homestead near what is now the Cleveland cemetery, raised a large family and took an enthusiastic interest in the spiritual life of the district.

Transcripts from Captain Louis Hope’s journal of his voyage from England to Sydney in 1843, his travels in the Pacific, his property Hopetoun Station at Kilcoy and his collection of plant species gathered in South Africa and across the pacific is also on display. 

The personal album of William Eugene Finucane, after whom Finucane Road is named, is an important exhibit.

This fascinating record includes his time at Cleveland House on Cleveland Point. In his obituary Mr Finucane is credited with having planted the iconic fig trees and the olive groves at St Helena, cultivated under his direction.

Items from the Redland Bay family of William Jolly, Brisbane’s first Lord Mayor are included. Brisbane City Hall was built during his administration and the William Jolly Bridge linking Grey Street to the city is named in his honour.

Mr Jolly became Member for Lilley in the federal Parliament.

The bible on which he was sworn in is on display. It bears the signature of the 10^th prime minister Joseph Lyons.

The many and varied items will provide a glimpse into the heritage preserved in the Redland Museum.

The museum is at 60 Smith Street, Cleveland.