The National Sports Museum has updated its Paralympic display after receiving a loan from the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) of historic medals and memorabilia from the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960.

The updated showcase comprises the arrows Sutton used in the men's paraplegic archery event to win Australia's first ever Paralympic gold medal as well as three of the six medals won by Hilton, who was the only female in the Australian team of 12 athletes that competed at Rome 1960.

The loan also includes blazer pocket of wheelchair basketball player Kevin Coombs, who was became Australia's first indigenous Paralympian when he competed at Rome 1960.

"We're honoured to accept this collection of treasured items from the Australian Paralympic Committee," said National Sport Museum manager Jed Smith.

"Ross and Daphne are remarkable athletes who have both made significant contributions to the Australian Paralympic Movement and we're absolutely delighted to celebrate their achievements.

"We consider these objects to be amongst the 'Crown Jewels' of Australian Paralympic history and are privileged to be able to display them."

Sutton attended Rome 1960 just two years after a light plane crash left him paralysed.

He won the men's open archery competition in the Italian capital at the age of 23 while he passed away in 2000, just before start of the Sydney Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Meanwhile in her glittering career, Hilton won Paralympic medals in the sport of archery, athletics, fencing, swimming and table tennis.

Hilton won six medals across three sports in Rome in 1960 before she went on to compete at the next two Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 1964 and Tel Aviv in 1968 before retiring with 14 career Paralympic medals, three of which are gold

Hilton, now 78, lives in Canberra with her husband Frank who is a former champion archer.

Members of the Hilton and Sutton families are planning visits to the National Sports Museum in the coming weeks to see the new Paralympics display.

"The achievements of Ross, Daphne and all of our first Paralympians are historically significant to Australia, not only because they won our first Paralympic gold medals but also because their achievements marked a turning point and positive move forward for people with a disability in this country," said APC chief executive Jason Hellwig.

"It's a great thing that their medals are now displayed in Australia's greatest showcase of sport at the museum.

"On behalf of the athletes and their families, the APC is delighted we can now share these pieces of history with Australia."

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