The Greta Army Camp was first established in 1939 and ran until 1949 when it became the Greta Migrant Camp. The migrant camp was open until 1960.

Tens of thousands of refugees and migrants from war-torn Europe passed through the camp gates, becoming one of the largest post-World War II migrant camps in the country.

Elizabeth Matt spent five years in the Greta Migrant Camp from 1955.

Her parents met in Germany after her mother, a Ukrainian, and father, a Pole, went to the same farm during World War II.

"I was born in Krakow ...and we came here when I was just three-years-old," she said.

"I really loved the camp. It was all nationalities but it was very difficult for the adults because they had been uprooted and had to start a completely new life.

"For the children, it was like one big holiday camp. It was a very unique experience."

Her family came to Australia in 1950 and spent nearly 10 years in migrant camps across the state.

Ms Matt's personal tale will be one of a dozen featured in an anniversary exhibition at Brough House curated by Maitland Regional Museum.

Museum president Janece McDonald said the Old Worlds, New Beginnings exhibition showcased an important part of Australia's history.

"We've only interviewed about 12 people but we have stories from lots of other people," Dr McDonald said.

"These 12 people are all from different people. The main theme was the children loved the camp, and didn't realise what their parents went through.

"The exhibition will cover the history of the area right through - from the Indigenous history to the closure of the camp in 1960."

The exhibition at Brough House will run from Saturday until June 23, with the official opening will be held on May 11.

Tickets cost $10 per person for the official opening, and will include morning tea and a fashion parade by the Museum of Clothing.

Cessnock Library will also hold several events throughout May and June to honour and recognise the two historical camps.