On Saturday, caretakers of the 1843 Sloane St Georgian villa will celebrate in style with a function and exhibition launch.

The Goulburn and District Historical Society headquarters is close to the heart of longtime president Garry White, vice-president Roger Bayley and a passionate committee.

Last month they admitted that Council’s March, 2014 closure of the building due to structural concerns was like “ripping their hearts out.”

But now they’re looking to the future.

“We’re excited about the re-opening and very pleased with Council’s future commitment to the building,” Mr White said.

Tomorrow at 2pm, Mr White and Mayor Geoff Kettle will cut the ribbon to re-open the facility. It will be followed by speeches and an afternoon tea. The community is invited.

Coinciding with the event is the launch of an exhibition, ‘They Were Our Boys,’ just one week out from the centenary of Anzac.

It showcases Goulburn’s military history from Australia’s first Horse Brigade established here in 1897 to the Sudan and Boer Wars, with a special focus on World War One and Gallipoli.

A feature is an Australian Horse Brigade uniform work by Lieutenant William Malcolm Chisholm, one of the first men serving in the British Army to be killed in World War One. His family, which is intricately linked to Goulburn’s history, connections, donated the uniform.

Mr Bayley said the Society spent $3000 upfront on its restoration but has also applied for a grant to cover the cost.

The exhibition runs until May 30.

The committee and Cr Kettle hope the re-opening is just the start of more exhibitions, extra volunteers and an assured future.

“There have been problems with it deterioration but Council has resolved to spend a considerable amount to restore St Clair back to its former glory as well as building an archival facility down there,” the mayor said.

“I congratulate Goulburn Historical Society and the St Clair Working Party, of which Cr Robin Saville is Chair, for all of the hard work they have put into getting this wonderful old place back on its feet. 

“There is a wonderful collection of Goulburn's history down there and I am very glad that St Clair is being restored and preserved for future generations to enjoy. " 

Cr Saville said it was vital that Goulburn had a museum to tell our story from pre- European settlement to the present day. 

“St Clair is a unique treasure which tells its own story,” he said.

“...The exhibition is double the reason to come down and attend. Anyone interested in becoming involved as a volunteer will have the opportunity to sign up so please give some thought to giving a few hours a week or fortnight to the museum.”