The Friends of Orange Regional Museum will host a tour of Escort Rock and Eugowra this weekend to celebrate the display of the Campbell Epergne at the Orange Regional Museum throughout February.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The epergne was presented to the Campbell family in 1864 in recognition of a battle which took place on their property next door to Escort Rock, in which bushranger John O’Meally was killed.
It was purchased with the support of the Australian Government through the National Cultural Heritage Account, with additional donations received from the Leahey family, Kylie Winkworth, Elizabeth Edwards, Russell and Anne Tym and the Orange Regional Museum Fund.
Museum friend Phillip Schwebel said it was the attack at the Campbell's property that turned the tide of sentiment against the bushrangers.
"Mrs Campbell, who was shot twice in the raid, was considered a heroine of the region," he said.
Mr Schwebel said the attack lead to an increased police presence in the region and the crimes committed by the bushrangers to be taken seriously.
"This whole region was really one of the centres of bushranger activity - this was a key part of changing the fabric of our history."
Dr Geoff Watson, who has studied the gold robbery at Escort Rock for a number of years, will lead the tour.
Attendees will have the chance to relive the evening the Campbell family was attacked, followed by a visit to Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre.
A bus will leave from the Orange Regional Museum on March 3 at 9.30am. Tickets can be booked online via Trybooking or from Collins Booksellers - tickets must be purchased before close of business on Friday.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE AND DISTRICT NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below …