Journal Article

The paper reviews what heritage is, why it should be conserved, how it can be conserved, and the difference conservation of heritage makes to a community and to the nation. It draws on the experiences of the Tamworth Powerstation Museum in conserving both local and national heritage. This includes the first practical use of electricity and its impact on early life in Australia, conservation of the site of a national heritage event, and conservation of the world's only two surviving John Fowler under-type steam engines. The museum's effort to conserve some of the heritage of Australia's only electric lamp manufacturer before its loss to global manufacturing rationalisation is discussed. The rewards for conservators, museum volunteers and visitors, and the question "Are we really making a difference?" are examined.