Ararat’s Langi Morgala Museum building has been part of the community’s landscape for 150 years – it was instrumental in the rural city’s industry and survival before becoming a tribute to the relics of those times.

Designed by architect Alexander White and built in 1873 by contractors Messrs Stevens and Murray as Ararat Wool Store, owner Michael Carroll served on council and was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly.

Within days of the grand opening, Mr Carroll was charged with embezzlement. 

He was jailed and his estate was sold at public auction, with William Nickols buying the wool store. 

He sold it to Dawson and Co in 1888, before Henry Dodd and Richard Hargreaves bought it in 1890. 

Mr Dodd left the partnership in 1906, and Mr Hargreaves’ ownership lasted another 45 years.

The government leased it during World War II to store 2000 tonnes of 24-hour guarded tinned food, before Prestige Pty Ltd installed machinery in it to manufacture parachutes for the air force. 

After the war, Prestige manufactured silk stockings and women’s underwear, buying the freehold from Hargreaves and Son in 1951.

Ararat City Council purchased the building for $10,000 in 1968 to set up a museum, which was named Langi Morgala – from two Aboriginal words Langi, meaning home, and Morgala, yesterday – by Mrs K. McHutchinson, whose entry was one of 193 in a competition sponsored by Miss Pat Grano.

Opened by Sir Rohan Delacombe, Governor of Victoria in October 1970, it has been classified ‘C’ by National Trust Heritage. 

The building features locally quarried bluestone blocks, and a tallow wood floor that was laid in 1968 during renovations that also saw the installation of fluorescent lights and power points.  

Features of the museum include a fully authenticated and equipped blacksmith shop, storeroom, workshop and bench, a vertical diesel, an internal combustion engine, a gig and buggy, and various farm implements. 

The transfer of the Aboriginal artefacts, Mooney and Best Collections, from the town hall to the museum was done so with council permission. 

Murals featuring the discovery of gold at Cathcart and an Aboriginal camp were created by Stan Kelly.

Council’s original table and chairs and four horse drawn vehicles are on display, along with early 19th century-themed rooms to show domestic items within a bedroom, kitchen, laundry and parlour.

Langi Morgala Museum, at 48 Queen Street, Ararat, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 3pm and Saturdays from 1pm until 4pm. School and group bookings are also available by emailing langimorgala7@gmail.com.

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