The Ron Horan Museum
As one of the oldest schools in Australia, students and staff from Fort Street have made significant contributions to the national and world stage. The Ron Horan Museum (RHM) makes accessible the notable archival exhibitions celebrating the achievements of Fortians from the past and present.
The Fort Street Archives creates an environment to protect, preserve, communicate public school history and contribute to the national memory. As a freely accessible educational resource, the RHM will assist students and the community in its research of the history and heritage of NSW. Most of the archives collection is preserved in a climate-controlled repository in the Library, but a changing program in the RHM articulates Fortian stories through documents, images and objects. A visit to the RHM is regularly a part of alumni reunions and other events.
The RHM has been funded by generous donations from various Fortian reunion groups and individuals. Fort Street Archives has also received grants from the Inner West Council, the WestConnex Community Grant Program and from the Royal Australian Historical Society.
Who is Ron Horan and why is there a museum after him? Ron Horan OAM was a Fortian (1940) who returned to be a teacher and deputy principal from 1950 to 1984. He also served as the school’s first Archivist. He wrote many books including on the history of Fort Street. The RHM honours his crucial role and many achievements in building, preserving and promoting the school’s archives for many decades. Without Ron Horan, much of Fort Street’s history would have been lost.
For more information or to express your interest in this role, please contact our archivist Mr Iain Wallace (Thursday and Friday only) here
