Mr Bolt, elected at the AGM this month, is hopeful that the Museum can attract new members.

"We have been very thin on the ground for the past two years so much so that we have had to alter our opening times, and I appeal to local residents to get behind the Museum which is a very important attraction to the town, with visitors from all over Australia and beyond," Mr Bolt said.

The Museum is looking for people that can spare a few hours a week to help out. There are various duties associated with the Museum, which include computer work, cataloguing, digitisation, exhibit labelling; Assisting our research team with the many local, national and international family search enquiries; General duties, cleaning, changing displays, public open-day duties; Handyman duties including restoration of items in the collection.

"People that can spare a few hours a week can apply at the Museum and join us in keeping Ararat's history for future generations," Mr Bolt said.

Until further notice the Museum's new opening hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am to 3 pm, Saturdays 1pm to 4pm, Mondays, Fridays and Sundays closed (unless by arrangement).