Calendar of Events
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2 events,
Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978
Simmie & Co was a prominent building company in Melbourne (1924-1978) and in Canberra (1926-1969). In Melbourne the company was highly successful and built many iconic buildings, churches, monasteries, schools, housing, factories, defence works, the Shrine forecourt (1939-45), offices and theatres including some heritage-listed constructions (one designed by Robin Boyd). The founders were three Victorian brothers, all born in the last decade of the nineteenth century and all worked at the Sunshine Harvester factory before World War One – William, Jock & George. All were World War One veterans (two were Gallipoli veterans). All were wounded and survived. Two were closely involved with the Master Builders Association in Melbourne. Discover their story of a pioneering building company of the early to mid-twentieth century, of World War One veterans, of courage and a willingness to take a risk, of the beginning of the capital city of Australia and the workers, the unsung heroes, who made it all happen.
Shrine to Sea Masterplan (Middle Park and Albert Park)
Shrine to Sea Masterplan (Middle Park and Albert Park)
Amy Hidge, Senior Engagement Officer, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, will talk about the new plan that covers the area from the Shrine of Remembrance to Port Phillip Bay.
3 events,
WORKSHOP: Volunteer engagement and retention
WORKSHOP: Volunteer engagement and retention
Delivered in partnership with AMaGA, this workshop is designed to provide practical guidance to develop effective volunteer engagement and retention strategies within a collecting organisation. The presentation is divided into three main parts: Identifying Volunteer Roles: Participants will learn how to identify the types of volunteer roles that their organisation needs to support its mission and
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The ‘Golden Age’
The ‘Golden Age’
THE 'GOLDEN AGE' : LA TROBE'S JOURNEY HOME Speaker John Botham, Chair of Friends of La Trobe's Cottage. The illustrated talk describes La Trobe’s journey home to England on the Paddle Steamer 'Golden Age' on the first commercial passage across the Pacific in 1854. He made fifty-eight sketches on the journey. including thirty-seven during a
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3 events,
Historical Walks in Carlton: Jewish and Italian Carlton
Historical Walks in Carlton: Jewish and Italian Carlton
These walks are run by the Princes Hill Community Centre in conjunction with the Carlton Community History Group. To register, contact Princes Hill Community Centre: www.princeshill.org.au Email: enquiries@princeshill.org.au Phone: 9387 7740. This tour takes you through the streets of Carlton to learn something of the two communities
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Fashion in the Age of Elegance 1840-1900
Fashion in the Age of Elegance 1840-1900
In a foreign climate and environment, how did European women adapt to living in rural Victoria and the emerging suburbs of Melbourne? Explore and delight in the opulent tastes and styles adopted by women through nineteenth century gowns from the fashion and design collection of the Kew Historical Society. Mary Ann Henty came with her
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4 events,
Altona Homestead Devonshire Tea
Altona Homestead Devonshire Tea
The Altona-Laverton Historical Society members and volunteers invite you to drop into the Altona Homestead on the first Sunday of the Month (February to December) to enjoy a serve of our famous Devonshire Tea or Cream Tea or Cornish Tea, anyway you look at them they are delicious.
Fashion in the Age of Elegance 1840-1900
Fashion in the Age of Elegance 1840-1900
In a foreign climate and environment, how did European women adapt to living in rural Victoria and the emerging suburbs of Melbourne? Explore and delight in the opulent tastes and styles adopted by women through nineteenth century gowns from the fashion and design collection of the Kew Historical Society. Mary Ann Henty came with her
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Return to Labassa
Return to Labassa
There will be a Return to Labassa on Sunday 7th May between 11am and 3pm for former owners, residents and their descendants. Come and share your memories and view some of the films, photos and memorabilia that have been collected in recent years. Over 700 people have called Labassa home so please register your interest
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2 events,
Back From the Dead: resuscitation and defibrillation
Back From the Dead: resuscitation and defibrillation
In the lead-up to National Volunteer Week join us for an afternoon tea with Dr Allan Mawdsley, from St John Ambulance Historical Society, as we launch the latest exhibition at Williamstown Library: Back from the Dead. From early equipment to the latest technology, see firsthand the progress that has been made in bringing people Back
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3 events,
Tour of Victorian Trades Hall
Tour of Victorian Trades Hall
During those lost COVID years the Victorian Trades Hall underwent a massive renovation which focused on not just the building but the vital cultural heritage that lives within its walls. We have organised a tour for RHSV members only (as we have limited places). The Trades Hall, on the corner of Victoria and Lygon streets in Melbourne, is one of the world’s oldest trade union buildings. It has been the home of trade unionism in the state of Victoria since 1874, and is associated with the history of the Australian Labour Party and with events significant to the whole country.
An evening in Melbourne’s Lanes
An evening in Melbourne’s Lanes
We'd like to invite our members and friends to an old-fashioned slide night! Our Publications Committee, volunteers and staff have been working hard on producing a new edition of Weston Bate's immensely popular 1994 publication, Essential but Unplanned, The Story of Melbourne's Lanes. It is an exciting project which has already delivered to the RHSV
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3 events,
80th Anniversary Memorial Service
80th Anniversary Memorial Service
Commemorative Service to be held for the 80th anniversary of the tragic crash and loss of two of the three crew of an Australian Woomera bomber at Bylands, south of Kilmore, Vic. which took place on 15 January 1943. Presented in partnership with the Kilmore Wallan RSL Sub-Branch.
Becoming a Mother: An Australian History
Becoming a Mother: An Australian History
Celebrate the release of a powerful new history of Australian motherhood this Mother’s Day weekend! When she first become a mother in 2013, historian Dr Carla Pascoe Leahy looked around her for stories of how mothering had changed over time. She was shocked to find that no one had written a history of Australian motherhood.
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2 events,
FINDING PLACES: HERITAGE AND LOCAL HISTORY RESOURCES IN THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
FINDING PLACES: HERITAGE AND LOCAL HISTORY RESOURCES IN THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Did you know the National Archives of Australia holds fascinating records which help tell the stories of local communities and historic sites? This free Zoom session will showcase some of the many items in the national archival collection which document local history and heritage including building plans and drawings, photographs, post office history records and
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3 events,
Lessons from history: colonial foundations of criminal justice in Victoria
Lessons from history: colonial foundations of criminal justice in Victoria
We are delighted that The Hon Justice Chris Maxwell AC will deliver the Society's inaugural Paul Mullaly History and Law Lecture during Law Week 2023. This lecture will explore the value of legal history, both as a window into social and political history and as an aid to understanding the present state of the law.
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From Drought-aid to Multifaceted: A History of The Country Women’s Association of Victoria
From Drought-aid to Multifaceted: A History of The Country Women’s Association of Victoria
2019-2021 State President Marion Dewar talks about the beginnings of the Country Women's Association of Victoria (CWA) and its role today; touching on all levels from branch to state, to national, to South Pacific, to world connections and adds a little of her personal CWA journey. Bookings are essential with a gold coin donation for
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4 events,
Australian Heritage Festival Free Museo Italiano Guided Tours
Australian Heritage Festival Free Museo Italiano Guided Tours
Join a Free guided tour led by Elizabeth Triarico, Manager CO.AS.IT. Italian Historical Society & Museo Italiano, in celebration of International Museums Day. Gain a special insight into the Italian Australian immigration experience, with unique stories and objects, like the Sputnik coffee machine. Thursday 18 May 2023 Tours run: 10.30am and 2.30pm for 1 hour
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Australian Heritage Festival Free Museo Italiano Guided Tours
Australian Heritage Festival Free Museo Italiano Guided Tours
Join a Free guided tour led by Elizabeth Triarico, Manager CO.AS.IT. Italian Historical Society & Museo Italiano, in celebration of International Museums Day. Gain a special insight into the Italian Australian immigration experience, with unique stories and objects, like the Sputnik coffee machine. Thursday 18 May 2023 Tours run: 10.30am and 2.30pm for 1 hour
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Ned Kelly; a new lens
Ned Kelly; a new lens
Partway through the Jerilderie Letter, Ned Kelly accused Senior Constable Anthony Strahan of threatening to shoot him ‘like a dog’. Two days after Anthony reputedly made his threat, Ned and his gang shot dead three policemen at Stringybark Creek, believing one of the cops was Anthony. Lachlan Strahan, Anthony’s great-great-grandson, and author of "Justice in
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2 events,
Birchip Regional Seminar Weekend: Strengthen your societies and communities through History
Birchip Regional Seminar Weekend: Strengthen your societies and communities through History
Visit the Mallee for the second RHSV seminar for 2023, and the first in rural Victoria, which is being hosted by Birchip Historical Society on Saturday 20 May. There are fabulous add-on optional activities at Nullawil (afternoon and evening, Friday 19 May) and Donald (morning, Sunday 21 May).
2 events,
Luminosity Labassa open day
Luminosity Labassa open day
Experience the brilliance of Labassa’s original extravagant stained and etched glass. Hear the story behind the creation of the magnificent 1873 Ferguson and Urie stained tripartite glass window and recent restoration works to the 1890s front door panels. Although more than 700 people have lived at Labassa, its mirrors and etched glass panels and some
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2 events,
1000 babies can’t be wrong!
1000 babies can’t be wrong!
In January 1961, 50 mothers marched through the Victorian town of Healesville demanding their doctor be reinstated to the local hospital. Their placards declared '1000 Babies Can't Be Wrong'. These mothers were supporting Dr Arthur Deery, a Hungarian Jewish doctor and a person of interest to Australia's security services. Dr Fallon Mody from Melbourne University
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2 events,
WRITING HISTORY GROUP
WRITING HISTORY GROUP
Dr Cheryl Griffin leads this group which has been meeting since 2020. This group is for people who are tackling writing a history project or two and want a sounding board / source of information / guidance and HELP! Each month from February to November Cheryl convenes the group via Zoom for 90 minutes and
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2 events,
Books and Readers: An Author’s Perspective on the world of Publishing
Books and Readers: An Author’s Perspective on the world of Publishing
We have the pleasure of hosting Author Stuart Kells who has written several volumes in the category of ‘books about book’ (our personal favourite being his one titled "The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders"). His most recent book is a history of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious university press, Melbourne University Publishing. He also wrote
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4 events,
Altona Homestead Devonshire Tea
Altona Homestead Devonshire Tea
The Altona-Laverton Historical Society members and volunteers invite you to drop into the Altona Homestead on the first Sunday of the Month (February to December) to enjoy a serve of our famous Devonshire Tea or Cream Tea or Cornish Tea, anyway you look at them they are delicious.
‘Springtime for hymn singing: the growth of congregational singing in the 19th Century’
‘Springtime for hymn singing: the growth of congregational singing in the 19th Century’
Rev. Dr. D’Arcy Wood will explore a phenomenon that began with the large open-air rallies held by the Wesley brothers in the mid-18th century and developed into the stirring tunes and expressions of devotion that became the bedrock of congregational singing in the nineteenth century. Here is your opportunity to sing along with a guest
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Book launch at Elwood: Enchanted Beneath the Bluff
Book launch at Elwood: Enchanted Beneath the Bluff
Authors Heather Arnold and Isaac Hermann invite you to the launch of their book, Enchanted Beneath the Bluff, Agnes & Geraldine’s Pursuit of Elwood’s Elusive Black Diamonds. Within a place of love, sorrow and salvation, where Elwood's Swamp met St. Kilda's Red Bluff, two ardent women - Agnes Simmons and Geraldine Minet - with their
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239 A'Beckett Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 
03 9326 9288 
office@historyvictoria.org.au 
Office & Library: Weekdays 9am-5pm
