Organised by Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network Maritime winds have been harvested since history was first written. This event, with four outstanding presenters, outlines the past, present and future use of wind for commerce and recreation. The Past: Bruce M. Gooley, researcher and writer The Present: Dr Christiaan De Beukelaer, Snr Lecturer in Cultural Policy, Melbourne
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Professor Marilyn Lake AO, has graciously agreed to speak about the history of voting in Victoria, when women were able to vote, when voting became compulsory and the part League of Women Voters Victoria (LWVV) played. 

Stories connect us to our local heritage. March is Women’s History Month. During our first excursion of the year, we will recognise the contributions of some local women to our community. Nestled on high ground, once overlooking the village of Eltham we will tour the Eltham Cemetery and share stories of women now interred in
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The launch of historian, Andrew Lemon's, debut historical novel. An historian finds a cache of letters home to England, spanning a dozen years. The letters are from Vernon Lee Walker, a young Englishman from industrial Wolverhampton, who meets his death on a beach on Pentecost Island in the South Pacific on the eve of Christmas 1887, to his mother. With decreasing frequency, the letters follow his trajectory, first in Melbourne and Sydney, then as he yields to the spell of the Pacific. But what happens between the lines? Does he fall in love with his brother’s wife? What does a boy not tell his mother?
The novelist steps in. This is a unique fusion of authentic history and informed invention – a tragic story of colonialism in Australia and the Pacific, told with compassion, humour and a deep understanding of time and place. 

In this fascinating and insightful presentation - St Kilda Historical Society's first public event of 2022 - Carmel McKenzie will examine the living conditions and power dynamics of servants in nineteenth century St Kilda, drawing on numerous case studies gleaned from primary sources. The research forms part of her soon to be published book: St Kilda 1841-1900: Movers and Shakers and Money-makers.

The Society’s annual McIntyre Lecture is planned for the 9th March and will be held in the Just Theatre at the Kew Courthouse, 188 High Street, Kew. We will be serving refreshments from 7.30pm with the Lecture commencing at 8pm. The Lecture will also be available via Zoom meetings. Katherine Sheedy from Way Back When
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