Mr Ryan was one of the visionaries who set up the unique costume experience at Sovereign Hill.

The first Sovereign Hill School, the Red Hill National School, opened in February 1979.

Prior to the opening, the Golden Point Primary School principal served as a member of the Sovereign Hill Schools advisory panel with other Department of Education and Sovereign Hill personnel to develop the concept of a school within the outdoor museum.

Mr Ryan then went on to serve on the Sovereign Hill School Council from 1977 until his retirement in May 2015.

Sovereign Hill School principal Geoff McArthur said Mr Ryan, who was unavailable for this story, was the longest-serving school councillor.

“His insight, experience and advice has been invaluable in the growth of the program,” Mr McArthur said.

“Kevin’s contribution as a pioneer and founding member of the school council and his continued service for just under 40 years has been extraordinary.”

Mr McArthur said it was estimated more than 200,000 children may have experienced school as it was in the 1850s since the opening of the first school in 1979 and the subsequent development of other schools through the successful partnership between the Department of Education and Sovereign Hill Museum Association.

The Sovereign Hill School Council presented Mr Ryan with a certificate of appreciation at its May meeting.

Council president Ann Campbell said Mr Ryan was commited to giving children the chance to experience school life on the goldfields.

“He was commited to ensuring that all those children had a clear understanding of what life was like in the 1850s,” Mrs Campbell said.

“He didn’t look for credit. He was happy to be involved in the notion of Sovereign Hill Schools.”

Mrs Campbell said the council would miss Mr Ryan and his wicked sense of humour. She said she did not know of his plans for the future.

“He felt confident we were heading in the right direction,” Mrs Campbell said.