In December 2012 the Hawks Museum gained accreditation with the Federal body of Museums Australia. The Hawks Museum was delighted to receive the news that it had met the criteria set down by Museums Australia in presenting the Hawthorn story through a museum to members.
So what does accreditation mean?
It is a demonstration that a museum can assemble a collection of memorabilia that meets the high standards in attainment, maintenance, record keeping, cataloguing, displays, organisation in historical themed functions and visitor hospitality as set by Museums Australia.
The Hawks Museum offers a special thanks to MAP Managers Elizabeth Marsden and Cassie May for their appreciated guidance offered in assisting with the Accreditation Program and to the administration of Hawthorn Football Club, the volunteers and committee members of Hawks Forever who have assisted with our goal.
The quest for a museum began in 1992 when the Club's Historical Committee, Hawks Forever, was formed with the aim to set up a museum to honour the players, officials and supporters who all had contributed to the Hawthorn story.
The first Hawks Museum space opened on 28 July 1994 on the mezzanine floor in the Dr Ferguson Stand at Glenferrie and closed on December 20, 2005 with the pending move to Waverley Park.
The Collection then came under the direct control of the Club and the new Hawks Museum, as we know it today reopened in December 12, 2007.
The Hawks Museum initially started museum accreditation in 2001 at Glenferrie, but with the poor facilities and the Club’s decision to move to Waverley Park, the accreditation program was temporarily halted.
At Waverley, the Club’s Historical Collection was firstly unpacked then catalogued ensuring that the collection had arrived in tact. The planning and the instillation of the new museum then followed which stretched the accreditation journey to 12 years.
At present, Hawthorn is the only AFL club that provides its members and the football public with a museum that records the traditions and the stories of the players, officials and supporters that have helped to build Hawthorn. Unfortunately for the football world, Essendon’s magnificent Hall of Fame has closed, however, Richmond Football Club has a new museum opening during 2013.
Known as the Past Players Trophy Room, the Hawks Museum has grown to become a very spiritual home for the many visitors.
Former players and their families, officials, supporters, footy and sporting fans of all persuasions have visited. They have come from all states in Australia and as far away as Canada, America, Japan, England with our first visitor from China arriving just this last week to learn more of our stories and pay homage to their brown and gold heroes.
Learn more about the Hawks Museum, when we are open and how to become a Friend of the Hawks Museum.
The Hawks Museum is home to some of the Hawks' most priceless memorabilia.
