PAST PROGRAMS

Paul E Mason exploits the language of the museum in meticulously crafted sculptures that comment on the legacy and continuation of the global colonial project and its contribution to environmental destruction.

Join Dr Linda Young as she examines a unique type of jewellery invented in the 1850s, likely in Ballarat, to assert that the hard manual labour of digging for gold was a glorious achievement. This event was rescheduled from 07 October 2021.

This workshop introduces Ancestry and its features. Ancestry is the best place to start when beginning your family history

Get ready for the easter bunny to visit by decorating and personalising your own easter egg hunt bag. Using iron on transfers and textile markers, this calico bag decoration workshop is a fun activity for all ages. 

Join Doug Bradby as he discusses his latest book, ‘Famous Visitors to a Famous City’, about the people who came to marvel at how a mining town of muck and mullock could be turned into ‘The Garden City’ of grandeur and beauty.

Start your family history with easy research and planning tips. 

Historian Paul Macgregor explores the way that Chinese miners on the Victorian goldfields dealt with racism and banded together to end discriminatory taxes and laws. He will give special attention to the Residence Tax Revolt of 1859 in Victoria, which he considers to be ‘the equal of the Eureka Rebellion, in terms of miners demanding rights and fair treatment’. This talk will be followed by a 45-minute discussion.

The Australiana Research Collection holds many treasures, including children’s books from the late Victorian era to the early twentieth century. 

Join Peter Freund as he challenges the popular idea of theatres on the Victorian goldfields. He will discuss the reception of the Greek tragedy ‘Medea’ presented by visiting tragediennes and reflect on its place in the fight for women’s rights.