Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts - Cinema, Museum & Theatre

The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts in Tenterfield, NSW, is a historic venue that offers a fresh and exciting approach to Australian history, culture, and environment, with a focus on Federation. The museum features the Banquet Hall, where Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous Federation speech in 1889. A display of memorabilia from Parkes' personal life, including a compelling portrait by Julian Ashton, ivory carvings, and journals, is situated in the gallery. The complex also features the Tenterfield Cinema and Theatre, a charming cinema with state-of-the-art digital projection, screening the latest movies and hosting live performances of music and theatre. The library offers free access to the internet, free Wi-Fi, and is named in honour of the Tenterfield Saddler, George Woolnough, grandfather of Peter Allen. The School of Arts is owned by the National Trust, and in 1957 was the first building in NSW to be gifted to the trust by an Act of Parliament. The National Trust of Australia is committed to promoting and conserving Australia's Indigenous, natural, and historic heritage through advocacy, conservation, and educational programmes. Members of the National Trust receive free entry into the museum.