Most of the historical items on display as part of the Journeys: people, places, stories exhibition were lent by residents, historical societies and other museums in the area. 

Those 60 items have been returned in recent weeks while others have been placed in storage. 

Emma, the crowd-favourite 1926 Chevrolet unearthed in 2016, went home with Dave and Larna Perry almost two weeks ago before making an appearance at the Gnoo Blas Classic Car show last weekend.

“It was the first time it’s been outside since 1964,” Mr Perry said. 

He said it was good to have his car home where it will be company for a number of other Chevrolets in his collection. 

He will keep it in current condition, however he will repair the soft-top roof – part of the timber structure has rotted out and the leather needs replacing.

“It’s too special a car to be fiddling with it and changing it – it’s something that’s a reference to how they were and how they should be,” he said. 

Two other artefacts, two wooden racing canoes, have been returned to owner John Southwood, who built and competed in them when he represented Australia at three Olympic Games between 1968 and 1976. 

Southwood worked full-time as a carpenter during his training and completed most of his preparation at Lake Canobolas, to the disbelief of his competitors. 

Orange mayor Reg Kidd was pleased to see work under way on the fit-out of the museum in preparation for Paddock to Plate: a history of food and wine in Orange and district, which will open on April 7, in time for FOOD Week.

Council carpenters and painters, as well as contractors from the area, have been assembling the backdrops and display spaces for the exhibition.

“The new show will have 350 items that tell the story of our history of food production,” Cr Kidd said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the items that have been chosen to go on display.”