Historical museums play an important role in the economy of country towns across New South Wales, but the spread of COVID-19 has put their future at risk.
Traditionally, these museums are organised and maintained by elderly volunteers hoping to tell their village's story.
However, in the state's Central West, Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum treasurer Rosemarie Amos says volunteers are becoming increasingly concerned for their safety.
"There are a few of the older volunteers who don't want to go on duty because they are concerned and have a few health problems," Ms Amos said.
"So there are just a few people who are prepared to come in, which is affecting us."
The Millthorpe museum is the only museum across the Central West that has been able to stay open every day across summer.
Museums in Molong, Canowindra, Bathurst, Orange and Carcoar have been forced to shut or operate at significantly reduced hours.
Ms Amos said the museum experienced its busiest summer season ever with more than 200 visitors some weeks, illustrating the importance of the exhibition.
"There are a lot of people who have got relatives here or have family history of the pioneers of the district and people tend to come back and want to see some of the old artefacts we have, the old tractors and machinery," she said.
Concern for future of museums
Orange City Council's community museums and heritage manager Alison Russell said the COVID situation had placed financial and emotional stress on museum operators.
"Some of the volunteers have expressed concerns about their age and the risk of COVID," Ms Russell said.
"During lockdowns they were forced to close but most of them haven't reopened because I guess they are waiting to see what happens with Omicron.
"The majority of museums rely on entry fees as their income as they don't get too much funding support, but they have rates to pay, electricity bills.
"They rely on their admission charges a lot."
Ms Russell said the exhibitions were a significant part of many elderly people's social lives.
"They are a place where they can tell and share their local stories, they are tourist attractions, they create economic development, they also provide social inclusion.
"It is a place for volunteers to meet where some might not see too many people over the week so they meet regularly to create a social network."
