In 1924, there were around 3,000 people living in Canberra, with about half of them involved in construction projects to build the new capital city. Many of those people were Scots.

The Canberra Burns Club was established on 13 October 1924 to help Canberra’s Scottish migrants socialise, maintain their cultural ties, and provide support to one another in their newly adopted country. The club was named after eighteenth century poet Robert Burns, who is widely regarded as Scotland’s national poet. Over the past 100 years, the club has continued to grow and now has over 35,000 members and two venues, at Kambah and West Belconnen.

This exhibition showcases objects and images from the club’s history, including the works of Robert Burns, pipe band instruments and uniforms, items used in the annual Highland Games, and more, to celebrate 100 years of the club’s history.