Visitors are the lifeblood of the Hawks Museum. 

Over the years, many have travelled great distances to see the Museum. We have welcomed dedicated Hawk supporters from as nearby as Rowville and from as far away as England and the United States.  

Two of our most recent visitors hail from Hertfordshire, England. Neil Harrison and his son, Louis are both strong Hawks.  Their loyalty stems from an Australian Hawthorn supporter who stayed with Neil’s family in England in 1960. The club’s first premiership in 1961 helped to make Hawks of the Harrison family.

Kurt Kiser has been a Friend of the Hawks Museum for many years. A loyal Hawk from Texas, his next visit will coincide with Hawthorn’s games with Geelong and St Kilda. His son, Colton came to see the Museum during a Super Saturday earlier this year.

A new display, already popular with our visitors, celebrates the 'six-minute men' – Stuart Dew, Cyril Rioli and Mark Williams - heroes from the 2008 Premiership.  Three of Mark Williams’ relatives, Bronwyn, Diane and Maxine Riley came to the Museum from Western Australia to see Mark’s 2008 Grand Final guernsey and boots in the display. 

The Museum has also enjoyed recent visits from several Past Players. Mark Graham, the 223-game defender, brought his family, daughters Grace and Lily and son, Tom to see evidence of Mark’s exploits at Hawthorn. 1961 Premiership player, John McArthur came over from his Western Australian home to revisit memories of his playing days and his teammates. Trevor Willers also came to the Museum to reminisce about his time with Hawthorn. Trevor was a member of the Hawthorn Colts Premiership side of 1950. 

Lucan Reeves, a Glenferrie Gold Life Patron of the Hawks Museum is also from the West. He brought his godchildren, Hannah and Cooper Lawrence and their family to see the Museum and the players on the training track.  Lucan has passed on his great love for the Hawks to Hannah, who was especially delighted to spend time with her favourite player, Brendan Whitecross, in the Museum.

This is also the time of year for conferences. Vicky Stanton is Collections Manager and Curator of the Australian Golf Heritage Society Museum, Sydney. An avid Hawk, Vicky came to view the Hawks Museum whilst in town for the Museum and Galleries Australia Annual Conference.  Recently, the Hawks Museum took part in the inaugural Sports Museums Network conference. Held at the MCG, the Museum found it inspirational to be among so many curators and museum representatives from across Australia and New Zealand.

The Museum has received some significant recent acquisitions.  Kelvin Moore presented his 1979 Best & Fairest trophy, which is now on display in the Museum. He also kindly presented his number 48 guernsey - the first guernsey he wore at Hawthorn - as well as his famed Number 15, a Victorian State guernsey and a Sun All-Stars guernsey. This outstanding collection was rounded out by several mounted Premiership footballs and other trophies from his magnificent playing career. Another wonderful donation came from former head trainer, John Haward, who presented some rare tracksuit tops and jackets worn during his long career at Hawthorn.  

This year’s 'Friends of the Hawks Museum' function will be held on November 18, 2018 at Box Hill. It will be a celebration of four Premierships - 1978, 1988 and 2008 as well as the 60th anniversary of the 1958 2nd 18’s victory. Players representing all four teams will be there to tell their stories.  A reminder that this is a Friends Only function.  Invitations will be sent out soon. So, if you haven’t already joined, renewed, or know someone who may like to be a 2018 Friend of the Hawks Museum, now is the time! Don’t miss this chance to mingle with some Hawk Premiership favourites. It is also a great opportunity to get a photo with the 1978, 1988 & 2008 Premiership Cups.