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1. Australia’s Industrial History
1. Australia’s Industrial History
The Factory opened its doors following Federation, symbolizing the new Commonwealth Government’s resolve for Australia to stand independently and achieve self-sufficiency. Created to produce arms for the Australian military forces, it quickly became a shining example of national pride and manufacturing excellence. Over the decades, it produced not only military equipment but also supported industries, trained generations of apprentices, and contributed to nation-building in countless ways.
While today’s security-conscious arms factories don’t encourage tourism, the Factory’s first accountant, John Jensen, believed it was reasonable for the public to visit. After all, they had paid for the Factory and had a right to see where their money went.
Like the Factory before it, this museum belongs to the people of Australia. It is more than just our history - it’s a story of innovation, independence, and national pride.
2. Preserving Our Industrial Heritage
2. Preserving Our Industrial Heritage
Our museum safeguards a rare and invaluable piece of Australia’s industrial legacy, right on the original site of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. It stands as a testament to the innovation, resilience, and spirit that helped shape our nation.
What makes our collection remarkable is its scope. It captures every facet of the Factory’s story - its production, machinery, tools, working conditions, and thought-provoking insights into the day to day lives of its workers. From engineering drawings and blueprints to the actual machines and equipment used on the factory floor, our collection brings the factory’s rich history to life in ways that few other museums can.
Covering everything from the Factory’s founding in the early 1900s to the shifts in technology and labour, including the pivotal role of women workers during World War II, our collection paints a vivid picture of Australia’s industrial evolution. Employee records, personal diaries, and even sketches offer a deeply personal view of those who worked there, adding a human touch to this enduring legacy.
This museum doesn’t just preserve our history—it proudly celebrates it. It’s a living reminder of Australia’s industrial strength, resourcefulness, and community. It is our legacy from the past - to be valued and enjoyed today, and to preserve and pass on to future generations.
3. The impact on our region – a tourism asset
3. The impact on our region – a tourism asset
Our collection is significant for the light it sheds on Lithgow’s industrial heritage. Lithgow’s industrial growth began with the opening of the Zig Zag Railway in 1869, an engineering marvel that connected the town to Sydney, making it possible to transport goods. With coal, iron, and other industries already established, Lithgow seemed an ideal site for the new small arms factory.
However, bringing the factory to Lithgow required determination and effort. The town’s progress association, alongside local MP Sir Joseph Cook (who later became Prime Minister), lobbied tirelessly to make it happen. It went on to become the town’s largest employer, with thousands of workers contributing to its success, leaving a lasting impact that still resonates within the community today.
Our museum attracts over 10,000 visitors to Lithgow each year from across Australia and around the globe, with this number growing year after year. While they’re here, they contribute to the local economy by staying in nearby accommodations, dining at local restaurants, and exploring other attractions.
The museum also complements other local attractions, showcasing Lithgow’s long history of industrial innovation. With community backing, these sites could one day form a connected heritage trail, enriching the visitor experience and further boosting Lithgow’s tourism appeal.
4. A Personal Connection to Our Shared Past
4. A Personal Connection to Our Shared Past
Since 1912, the Small Arms Factory has played a role in the lives of countless Australians. Many people - perhaps even someone in your own family - worked there over the years. One of the most meaningful things we do at the Museum, beyond showcasing our nationally significant collection and telling the story of Australia’s industrial and military heritage, is helping people reconnect with their past.
We receive many requests for employee records from the Factory. And time and again, we’ve seen the joy it brings. Visitors have come through our doors not knowing what they’d find - only to discover their mother or father’s wartime service records. We've seen distant relatives brought together through a shared connection to the Factory. We've shared in touching moments as families visit with their elderly mother, father, or another relative, learning about their working life for the first time.
It’s hard to imagine losing something that holds so much history, pride, and personal meaning for so many. But it’s just one of the precious things at stake.
5. An international firearms research resource
5. An international firearms research resource
When people say our firearms collection is 'world class', they aren't exaggerating. Our museum houses rare examples from Australian and international production, along with unique prototypes and experimental models. Over the years, we've supported specialists from around the globe, eager to explore our collection and archives.
One American researcher put it this way: "As a student of the FN FAL and related designs, the existence of SAF Lithgow museum is remarkable. The contribution of your small town to the study of firearms development is unrivalled. While I am sure you are all proud of the accomplishments of Lithgow, I cannot stress enough the importance of your museum to global research in firearms. Keep up the great work!"
A Welsh doctor with a deep interest in WWII firearms wrote: “While my day job is as a cancer geneticist I have a particular interest in the evolution in World War II of shortened and lightened versions of the Lee-Enfield SMLE rifle for use in the jungle. So this is the third time that I have travelled half way around the world to visit the town of Lithgow and the LSAFM in order to carry out research on this.”
Our museum is an invaluable resource for the global firearms research community, and has been utilised by the Australian Crime Commission, police, ballistics, and forensics experts across Australia to enhance knowledge databases, solve crimes, and support court cases. Sounds from our firearms are also preserved in the National Film and Sound Archive.
Recently, we were offered a donation of museum-quality firearms from the 16th/17th century - the early era of firearms development - marking a significant addition to our collection. We have the potential to continue growing and evolving, cementing our place on the world stage.
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