Prahran Mechanics Institute
Transgender Australia: A History Since 1910
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaJoin authors Noah Riseman and Sam Elkin as they enter a conversation about trans history. They will weave together personal experience with historical examples to discuss changes to trans life and politics in Victoria since the early twentieth century. Their discussion will especially focus on the role of activism, as well as where activists and
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Reel History: A Journey Through Victoria’s Cinematic Past
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaStep into the golden age of cinema at the PMI Victorian History Library's immersive film evening, presented by the Cinema and Theatre Historical Society (CATHS). This captivating event will transport you back to the early days of film in Victoria, showcasing the state's pivotal role in Australia's cinematic history. Experience the magic of Australia's first
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Family History Workshop: Learn How to Publish Your Family History
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaAre you sitting on a treasure trove of family stories, longing to share them with future generations? Join us at the PMI Victorian History Library for an enlightening one-day workshop that will transform your family history from cherished memories into a beautifully published book. What You'll Learn: Design Like a Pro: Explore various layouts and
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The World of Mab Grimwade
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaBorn into a genteel family of pastoralists and investors in colonial Victoria, Mabel Louise Kelly (1887–1973), or ‘Mab’ to those who knew her, would grow up to make an enormous contribution to Victoria and Australia. Most evidently, it was made through bequests to the University of Melbourne and through the donation to the university of
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PMI Library Book Sale: April 2025
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaAfter our success last year, we again have market stalls joining us for our bi-annual big book sale! We have 10+ stalls joining us, so you know it will be lively. Stall owners have jewellery, knitted toys, scrapbooking materials, soaps and more to offer you. Make sure to stop by and pick up a treasure
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How to Record a Painful History
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaJoin us for a not-to-be-missed discussion on recording and sharing the truths of a colonial past. Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir and Marguerita Stephens will share their experience of collaborating across cultures to create their ground-breaking work “Years of Terror: Banbu-deen: Kulin & Colonists at Port Phillip 1835-1851.” Why did Billibellary and other Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung clansmen
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Chapel Street Walk: Around Prahran’s Iconic Buildings
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaMeet at the PMI Victorian History Library then step into a charming adventure. Discover the tales of yesteryear's department stores on Chapel Street, Prahran. An all-inclusive experience, perfect for everyone – families, individuals, and even your beloved pets!
Echoes of the 19th Century
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaStep back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the 19th century with the Four Seasons String Quartet at the PMI Victorian History Library. Led by internationally acclaimed cellist Nora Brownrigg, this talented ensemble will bring history to life through a captivating program of period music. Experience the elegance and charm of
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The Convent
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaHave you visited the Abbotsford Convent before? It is a beautiful place, its history, architecture, artistry, and food make it a must visit. The Abbotsford Convent was a haunted place, left to languish for years after the last of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd had gone. In its prime it had been a school, a refuge, a retreat, a workhouse and a prison - the single largest charitable institution
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A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne
Prahran Mechanics Institute 39 St Edmonds Road, Prahran, VIC, AustraliaHidden within a suburban Melbourne cemetery lies a remarkable piece of Egyptian-inspired architecture: the tomb of David Syme, one of the world’s first media tycoons and the influential proprietor of The Age newspaper. Built in 1910—12 years before the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb—this heritage-listed mausoleum is a miniature replica of Trajan’s Kiosk on Philae Island in
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