Orange and District Historical Society is mounting a major exhibition in November about the Daltons, their store and flour mills in Orange, their vast pastoral holdings throughout western NSW, their import/export business in Sydney, their support of the Catholic Church, and their strong allegiance to the Irish cause for independence from Britain.

The exhibition will be at Duntryleague (formerly the home of James Dalton and his large family) from 10am-4pm from Friday, November 8, until Sunday, November 17.

Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for school children.

Society president Dave Sykes said he is thrilled the Dalton story will reach a wide audience.

“This family had a major impact on Orange and further afield, and we hope many people will learn more about them through the exhibition,” he said.

A number of owners of Dalton family homes in and around Orange have offered guided visits on particular days during exhibition week.

These are:

Ammerdown, 450 Mitchell Highway: Friday, November 8, at 9am, 10.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Knocklong: 73 Hill Street: Saturday,  November 9, at 10am and 2pm.

Mena, 50 Kite Street: Friday,  November 15, at 11am and 2pm

Emly, 66 Byng Street: Saturday,  November 16, at 2pm and 3pm.

Galbally, 60 Byng Street: Sunday,  November 17, at 2-3pm and 3-4pm

For logistical reasons, numbers will be strictly limited.

Bookings must be made ahead as no tickets will be sold at the houses.

Contact Dave and Julie Sykes on 63621682  or email: djsykes@bigpond.com; Phil Stevenson on 0402 412 188 or email: ibiswines@ bigpond.com; or Annette Neville on 6361 4341 or email: Kevanne40@yahoo.com.au.

Tickets will cost $10 for one house, $15 for two, $20 for three, $25 for four, and $30 for five.

They may be picked up from Heritage Cottage, 148 March Street on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm or elsewhere by prior arrangement.