When you walk into RSEA Park, one of the first things you see is our history, thanks to the generosity of long-term Saints fan Craig Levin.

Craig is a fourth-generation Saints supporter, and a number of Craig’s family and his wife Melanie’s family have served the club in various official roles.

The C J Levin St Kilda FC Heritage Museum & Hall Of Fame, which sits inside the grand entrance to RSEA Park, captures the essence of our 146-year history.

While the artefacts of numerous other clubs have gone into mothballs during renovations, St Kilda’s history is front and centre, and has proven extremely popular since the opening of Stage 2 of RSEA Park’s development in November.

It is an ever-evolving display, with different aspects of the red, white and black story rotated through the cabinets.

One of the first displays featured the tale of St Kilda’s initial move to Moorabbin back in 1965, and included pictures, memorabilia, and even a guernsey from one of the Moorabbin FC players, who played at Linton Street with the former VFA club.

One cabinet contains a permanent display. You can marvel at the boots worn by the twinkle-toed Darrel Baldock, or the footy that Dave McNamara roosted 93 yards. There’s the time clock from Moorabbin, which still works, and the immortal picture of Nicky Winmar lifting his jumper at Victoria Park.

Put together by our Heritage Museum co-ordinator Georgie Day alongside Club Historian Russell Holmesby, with the creative flair of Stevie Dellamarta adding a touch of magic, the history is not only told by the items on display, but also via the latest technology. Two touch screens take visitors on the journey through our colourful history, and videos let you relive the great moments of the past.

Saints fans are also welcome to head up the stairs to our Walk of Fame, which features tributes to each of our Hall of Fame members and Legends.

The name of Nathan Burke was added this year following his elevation to Legend status.

You can watch endless highlights, including the great marks and goals at Moorabbin, and play them on the magnificent seven-metre LED screen which adorns our foyer.

The rotating displays have now been changed, with the newest exhibition just installed, and the two elements cover both the solemn through to the sublime.

An emotional tribute to the Saints players who lost their lives in the two World Wars tugged at the heartstrings. This was succeeded by a tribute to our Indigenous players, including multiple video screens showing highlights of the brilliant Nicky Winmar, Gilbert McAdam and others, right through to the modern-day era featuring Jade Gresham, Matthew Parker, Ben Long and Robbie Young.

In another cabinet, the “St. Kitch” display features many of the more unusual souvenirs and memorabilia that fans have accumulated. Everything from a knitted octopus through to a 1929 matchbox holder featuring the Saints fixture.

With over 3000 items, it would never be possible to display everything at once, but over time, there will be many more areas of our history that will come to the fore in the C J Levin St Kilda FC Heritage Museum & Hall Of Fame.

CEO Matt Finnis said the support of Craig Levin and his family was profound.

“Our current group of players, coaches and staff walk past these cabinets every day, and I love how in our brand new state-of-the-art facility, we are still able to bring our history to life,” he said.

“We can’t thank Craig and his family enough for their support. They are typical of the many supporters who have made such an incredible contribution to the club through the Moorabbin Foundation, which has allowed the club to return to its spiritual home.”