Mr Murphie wants to establish a re-enactment society in the city to entertain and educate locals and visitors on the proud history of the area.

The society would focus on the colonial era in Australia and the Hunter region and Mr Murphie said it would be positive for Maitland.

“I have a great passion for history and I’d love to get some more people involved,” he said.

“What we need is a governing body to start with.

“We have so many places like the courthouse and the waterfront to produce historically accurate re-enactments and it would be great for the region.”

Mr Murphie has also relaunched his ghost tours of Morpeth, with the first comeback tour on Friday night.

He said there was a strong paranormal presence in the Morpeth area.

“I’ve interviewed local residents and shop owners to hear their stories of ghosts in the area,” he said. “From there I’ve done some research to find out who these ghosts could be.

“For example, in 1864 Dr Robert Bolton hopped in his row boat at 10 in the evening but never made it home, they only found his hat, coat, vest and an oar in his boat.

“They found his body washed down stream days later and took it to the courthouse for an autopsy where ­people have said they have felt his presence.”

Tours are free and run at 6.30pm and 10.30pm.