Social History

The Golden City Paddle Steamer is the only remaining paddle steamer of 15 which used to operate on Ballarat's Lake Wendouree. The Golden City now operates on a regular basis during summer or can be hired by groups on request. The vessel is moored at Gill's Boatshed. The boatshed has been developed to house a 100 seat restaurant and the Lake Wendouree Museum. the Museum fitout is proceeding and is expected to be completed by 26th April 1998. The Museum will interpret the natural environment of the lake, as well as the family, sporting and recreational aspects of its history. Plans are being...

The Nunawading and District Historical Society Inc. maintains a furnished cottage (c1885) built from local stone, a barn, wine cellar, blacksmith's shop, smokehouse, a museum and an orchard and domestic machine area.About 3,000 artifacts including costumes, lace, handicrafts, tiles and clay products, orchard farming implements, toys, blacksmith's forge and tools, antique furniture and domestic equipment. There are also 3,000 photographs and more than 3,500 documents, books and maps.
The Society's collection is housed in the Ballan Court House. Built in 1873 and closed in 1983, the Court House was re-opened in 1990 as a local history record and resource centre. The collection consists of books, documents and photographs relevant to the Ballan Shire (1838 to the present day).1000 items
Housed in the Mechanics' Institute building, Sorrento, a limestone building classified by the National Trust. The Museum contains artefacts, Aboriginal relics, photographs and documents, models, nineteenth century fashions and household equipment, examples of early technology, shipwreck relics and memorabilia from pioneering families and the great George Coppin. The museum has received accreditation from Museums Australia.Approximately 4000 items some 2000 of which are photographs. The collection covers the history of the Parish of Nepean, Shire of Mornington Peninsula, ie. Rye, Sorrento and...
A historic bluestone wool store (1872) houses this Museum, which depicts the story of wool in Australia. Themes explore wool in the contexts of agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, science and technology, arts, craft, literature and history. Of special interest are the Axminister Jacquard carpet loom and a sock knitter.
Buninyong is one of Victoria;s oldest communities, pre-dating gold discovery in 1851. Many historic buildings remain in this heritage township, and the historical society maintains three of these - the 1858 former courthouse, the 1884 courthouse (now the History Centre) and the 1860 Old Library. The Society collects photographs, maps and genealogical information.Paper based collection - 3000 index cards, 1000 photographs, 50 folders; also maps, letters on family history and indexes of rate cards.

This was one of several government magazines built for the safe storage of gunpowder towards the end of the 1850s when surface gold mining became exhausted and blasting was required. Miners lodged gunpowder in the magazine, paying a small rent for the service.20 objects.

Housed in one of the few remaining examples of early prefabricated building techniques is a collection of 20 horse-drawn vehicles and harnesses recalling transport of the 19th and early 20th centuries.A hearse, built and used in Beechworth, a 1906 fire-cart and a Cobb and Co. coach are highlights of the collection. Many of the vehicles remail as a direct link with Beechworth's past, having been used in the town and neighbouring areas.
The Local History Resource Centre was established in 1984 as part of the Victoria 150th Celebrations. The collection is housed in the former Ouyen Courthouse building which it shares with the Mallee Genealogical Society. The centre houses material collected from the southern part of the Rural City Council area. The photographic collection is a special feature, comprising approximately 2,500 black and white photographs. The aim of the centre is to make local history information accessible to everyone.Photographs, microfilm of the early Ouyen newspapers from 1911, including some early copies...
The Society's Museum is house in the former railway station which has been listed by Heritage Victoria. The Photographic and artefact collection related mainly to the state coal mine which operated from 1909 to 1968. Other displays relate to Wonthaggi and the various institutions which shared its history. EG co-operative store, Wonthaggi miners dispensary, union theatre, schools, sporting clubs, Wonthaggi and district hospital miners union and miners woman's auxiliary.1000 photo's (Wonthaggi and district 1909 to present), 3000 artefacts (mining tools, household artefacts, etc), 200 audio...
The Homestead has been carefully restored and furnished in keeping with the period 1844-1851. It particularly reflects the enterprise and resourcefulness of Georgiana McCrae, diarist, artist, and musician, who raised eight children in the adverse conditions of pioneering life. A modern museum houses a collection of water colours and oil paintings by Georgiana McCrae and other family members.700 objects
The Museum is the restored original Police Station. It is gradually being developed and at present includes the original portable cell, stables and a kitchen. An original shepherd's hut has been re-erected on this site along with an original camp oven.Approximately 100 items
Our Museum consists of a house and various out buildings located on two town blocks in Port Welshpool. The collection is spread over the whole area. Our strong point is the early fishing industry in Corner Inlet, including a daily diary kept by the Smith family from 1887-1958. Housed in Welshpool's first residence (1881), the Museum contains a local history collection that includes natural history objects, fishing and maritime artefacts. Original display cases house a magnificent shell collection that dates from the 1800s.Our collection is the contents of the house which is now the museum,...
A treasure trove of information on local and district families and social life. mining records and memorabilia of gold rush and deep lead mining. Art works provide a significant insight into the cultural heritage of the area. Newspapers, microfilm and photograph, provide an almost complete record of the first one hundred years of settlement.Approximately 4000 items and 2000 photographs. Housed in the former Town Hall, a building classified by the National Trust - comprising notable artists and art works of historical importance. Featuring local artists Lindsay, Litherland, Moyle, Tibbits and...
The complex consists of a Victorian hand built stone cottage (by Arthur Worsley), furnished in the period and complemented by display areas depicting Maryborough's history from 1854 as well as Alfred and George Joyce's squatters' slab hut, now on the Register of the National Estate, and believed to be the oldest building in the district (circa 1844). The complex also has a new resource centre with family and district history records available for research.Approximately 1200 photographs and 1000 items. Items relating to the social history of the Maryborough District including Vic/Edwardian...
Heritage Hill is a unique historic precinct located in the heart of Dandenong featuring three century old buildings and 2 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. St James Anglican Church (1864); Laurel Lodge (1869); and Benga Oral History Centre and Garden (1936). survive as fine examples of 19th and 20th century architecture and represent the social, cultural and natural history of Dandenong. Through exhibitions and period rooms, visitors can gain an insight into Dandenong's transformation from a rural market town into a bustling, multicultural metropolis.Laurel Lodge and Benga House a...
Housed in the former Moe Court House, this collection consists of items of local interest including books, papers and photographs concerning the history of Moe District. Extensive collections relating to gold mining, coal mining, electricity generation, agriculture and timber milling are held.Estimated 1200 photographs and 600 documents, plus 500 items and specimens
A comprehensive and fascinating collection of early photographs, maps, collectables, historic documents, (including Camperdown Chronicles), artefacts and memorabilia.
The Battery was built to defend Victoria against a feared Russian invasion in 1889. A small collection of photographs and memorabilia are on display, while the underground Magazine and Lamp Passage are accessible by ladder. Three cannons were restored as part of Portland's 150th anniversary and these are fired off on official occasions.
Steiglitz Court House is partially restored with internal furnishings. It features displays on the early gold mining history and pastoral history of the region, including interpretive and historic photos. Information is also provided on Steiglitz Historic Park and the Brisbane Ranges National Park.Approximately 100 items

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