Berrima's rich history inspired one podcaster to visit its district museum, in order to discover integral parts of its identity, and other gems in the Highlands.
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Kate Fitzpatrick - host of the Roadshow and Tell podcast, travels to niche and regional museums around NSW.
So far, she has been to the Museum of Printing in Penrith, the Teapot Museum in Leura and the Qtopia museum in Sydney, which focuses on queer history and spotlighting LGBTQIA+ people.
Known as the podcast to help people improve their trivia score, the episode featuring the Berrima District Museum was released on April 2.
Originally from Brisbane and now living in Sydney, Ms Fitzpatrick often visited different towns and museums when she travelled to visit her family for Christmas.
When the idea for the podcast came to her, she knew a visit back to the Georgian village was needed.
"It's actually one of the first regional museums I fell in love with, and I was so excited to go back and talk to them," she said.
The podcaster chatted with museum volunteer Bud Townsing, who spoke to her about internment camps, which was a highlight for the host.
Internment camps - Prisoners in Arcady
When Australia fought in World War One against Germany, all Germans in Australia were considered prisoners and required to spend time in internment camps.
Several camps were set up nationwide, and many prisoners were sent to Berrima, which doubled the village's population.
Most internees spoke English and Mr Townsing explained that they were allowed out and about, built huts and "entertained themselves".
Inmates had to return to the cells at night, and enjoyed activities such as wrestling, gymnastics, football, forming an orchestra and choir, and athletics.
There is a photo in the museum of internees picking up a hut from its foundations, and relocating it.
While they did not work, they hired themselves out to work throughout the village.
"They were important members of the local community," he said to Ms Fitzpatrick.
When there was not a suitable amount of bedding in cells, prisoners installed small stoves with chimneys made from jam or kerosene tins, and covered the floors with potato sacks.
People will also find footage of the internees at the museum.
Gardens and Landscapes of the Southern Highlands - Then and Now
The podcast also highlighted the unique exhibition which shows a variety of gardens across the region over the last 200 years.
The exhibition was created along with the Southern Highlands branch of the Australian Garden History Society.
Photos on the screens include early images o the Bundanoon Gullies, the Hordern Gardens of Bowral, Corbett Gardens, the early days of Tulip Time, along with many others.
Other treasures
When people walk through the museum, they will see a historic kitchen, photographs and displays from Berrima's earliest industries, and more.
The Berrima District Museum is open every Friday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, and is closed on Good Friday, but is open everyday during the school holidays.
Adults can enter for $10 and it is $8 for concession holders.
Follow the show's podcast Instagram page @roadshowandtellpodcast, or on Apple podcasts and Spotify to learn more about past and future episodes.
Mis Fitzpatrick plans to visit museums nationwide and even in South Africa.
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