Hidden amongst our city buildings, you may have driven past Miss Porter’s House a hundred times without realizing it was there. It’s an unsuspecting National Trust property nestled in-between buildings on King Street in Newcastle.
Miss Porter’s House really is a unique space, not only because it features a beautiful fernery on the Eastern side of the home (a rare find in renovated homes throughout the city), but the house and its contents have been left exactly the way they were lived in, spanning generations of the Porter family who occupied the home.
Originally built by Herbert Porter in 1909, this split-level home was occupied by the Porter family until as recent as 1997. The home and all items within the home were then left to National Trust by Miss Hazel Porter. The home and its contents have lived through the twentieth century, and survived the infamous Newcastle Earthquake, but just barely!
The conveniences of today’s modern technology make it all the more interesting to explore the lives of past generations.
During our visit to Miss Porter’s House, we were warmly greeted by Jean Bridges, one of the museum’s curators. Her passion for the house and wealth of knowledge shone through as she guided us through its rooms.
Jean, along with a dedicated house committee team run Miss Porter’s house, and on Museum Open days, a room guide can be found in each room of the house to entertain you with facts and stories of the home.
Jean shared fascinating stories and facts about each item in the house.
To engage children, the house committee has created a variety of activities. During our visit, kids enjoyed a fun game using photo cards featuring items from the house
Using the photo cards with clues, they went from room to room, looking for patterns and signs, ticking off their finds as they went. A game of ‘history-bingo’ if you will!
Many of the room-guides were once teachers themselves and have a knack for keeping the children engaged in the rich history.
Marvel in 100 years of collectables, including clothing and fabrics as well as furnishings from 1909 to 1940.
The upstairs bedrooms are a favorite with visitors. Admire the handmade dresses and handbags that belonged to the women of the house.
Brushes, combs, powder puffs and detailed antique mirrors line the dressing tables. There is a lot to take in and you could spend an afternoon looking at the thousands of items that have been lovingly cared for.
Miss Porter’s House feels like a home, not a museum. Its treasured items are on display, not hidden behind glass cases.
Our visit to Miss Porter’s House inspired us, on return to our own home, to take a good look around and discuss which important items of ours will be around 100 years from now, and what future generations will think of our home one day. It’s great food for thought and conversation!
Miss Porter’s House is open every 2nd Sunday of each month (February – December) and Australia Day 1 – 4 pm.
Entry Fees:
- National Trust members (and children under 5 yrs) – Free
- Adults – $12
- Concession – $10
- Family – $34
For more information about Miss Porter’s House, visit the National Trust website.