The Industrial and Technological Museum opened to the public in 1870, in the Great Hall of the building which had housed the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1866 - 1867. Its first director (styled Scientific Superintendent), Cosmo Newbery, used as his model the Museum of Irish Industry in Dublin and established four sections. These were: geology, with specimens from around the world; zoological (for animal products and their uses); phytological (processed vegetable products); and machinery and models of inventions. A key part of the Museum's program was the delivery of public education lectures, which continued until 1887. The Museum was never well-resourced such that Newbery was permitted to take on private work as an assayist to supplement his income. Henry Walcott, succeeding Newbery as Curator but with a lower salary, held the job for only four years before the Museum closed. Some of its collections were dispersed, the minerals being transferred to the National Museum of Victoria. On the reopening of the Industrial and Technological Museum in 1915 Walcott was again appointed as Curator. Unfortunately, under-resourcing continued to be a problem. Walcott was succeeded by Leonard Ninnis (at a lower salary) who left after a few months. The Museum became the Museum of Applied science in 1945 having for most of WWII survived with only one professional officer, the Curator Edgar Penrose.
Officers-in-Charge:
J. Cosmo Newbery, Scientist Superintendent 1870 - 1895
R. Henry Walcott, Curator 1895 - 1899 and 1915 - 1935
Leonard Ninnis, Curator October 1935 - February 1936
Edgar Penrose, Curator 1936 - 1945