The RACGP Museum - a 'virtual museum'

For almost 50 years, the College has been receiving objects by way of gifts, or presentations from members and other colleges or associated organisations, which are housed at various College sites around Australia. The College has also generated its own collectable items over this period.

Thanks to the work of a number of interested College members, many objects have been displayed on walls, and cabinets, or are in storage. In this regard the dedication of Eric Fisher, David Dammery, Phil Thomson and Pam Garrard (and doubtless there are others) must be acknowledged.

In October 2005, I was approached and asked to catalogue these collections. Besides this exercise, finding out the scope, size and possible value of the objects, I pondered its usefulness if it was only available to those able to visit the various College offices around Australia and not to members scattered across the continent...

After some discussion, and with the blessing of those whose task it was to make it happen, the idea of a 'virtual museum' was conceived.

With guidance from Museum Australia and a visit to the College of Surgeons, I set about gathering, cleaning, identifying, researching, tagging, logging and photographing the objects on hand in Victoria, and then cajoled willing persons in the other states to do likewise.

There are still some objects in storage yet to be catalogued and added, and corrections will need to be made; and your input here would be welcomed.

John North OAM RACGP Life Fellow curator@racgp.org.au