Description

Box Cottage Museum is the reconstruction of a dwelling that was situated on a neighbouring property. The builder or owner of the original cottage is not known but is thought that it was constructed during the 1840s or '50s. The first authenticated occupants were William and Elizabeth Box, who lived there from 1868 to 1914—hence the name 'Box Cottage'.

William Box was a market gardener and Elizabeth grew flowers. They had a total of 13 children, 12 of whom lived to become adults. The original cottage consisted of a parlour-kitchen with an open fireplace and one bedroom. A cool room-dairy and a laundry-bathroom were added later.

Today the cottage is the home of the City of Moorabbin Historical Society. Visitors to the Box Cottage Museum can explore the eclectic collection of fascinating historical artefacts in the Cottage and barn area. The collection provides a glimpse into how residents lived before the advent of electricity and supermarkets.

Items on display include an historic dray, a sample of the original tram way plates that were used near Centre Road, Nepean Highway and South Road around the late 1800s, different types of ploughs, market gardening tools and much more.

What's On

Visitors will learn about the life of residents in the Parish of Moorabbin, from the town of Brighton's early beginnings in 1841 to the establishment of the Moorabbin Roads Board in 1862 and to the area's time as the City of Moorabbin from 1934-1994.

Items on display include a 1918 Chinese silk wedding dress worn by Mary Closter who married Alonzo Box, William Box's nephew; cooking utensils; domestic appliances; personal items; clothing; photos; tools; market gardening equipment and more.