Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978
RHSV Gallery Downstairs 239 A'Beckett St, MelbourneWeek of 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.
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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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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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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239 A'Beckett Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 
03 9326 9288 
office@historyvictoria.org.au 
Office & Library: Weekdays 9am-5pm
