Police museum throws open its doors to the public
It is a little known gem just outside of Adelaide’s central business district and now 7News has been given an exclusive look inside the South Australian Police Museum at Thebarton Barracks.
It is usually kept under lock and key but South Australia Police Historical Society president Bill Prior and vice president Kevin Beare today gave 7News a tour ahead of a public open day this weekend.
At 177-years-old, South Australia Police is the oldest police force in Australia; a fact, Mr Prior said, that often came as a surprise to many people.
Inside the barracks are treasures such as a world-class police badge collection as well as a letter to the South Australian police force signed by legendary pop band, The Beatles, after their historic visit to the city.
“And that’s a fairly sort of cherished possession because I think there are only two of those letters,” Mr Prior said.
There is also a large collection of artefacts and memorabilia spanning the near 200 year history of the police service.
While the museum is usually only opened by appointment, the doors will be thrown open to the public this Sunday, May 3, from 10am until 4pm.
The South Australian Police Museum can be found at the Thebarton Barracks on the corner of Gaol and Port roads, Adelaide.
For more information call (08) 8207 4099, email historical@police.sa.gov.au or visit the South Australia Police Historical Society [www.sapolicehistory.org/museum.html|website.]
