A walk from the Windsor Hotel to the Vic Market. Starting at Spring Street outside the famous Windsor Hotel. You will walk along Spring Street to Latrobe Street, making your way to Vic Market. The walk will finish the Vic Market food court for a coffee or lunch. Bookings are essential. Call Sue on 0418 …
Join us for an interesting presentation of the history of Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building. We’ll travel from the International Exhibition of 1880 to the opening of Australia’s first federal parliament, through to the modern day. You will also learn of a fascinating local connection with Richmond. Afternoon tea included.
Join us this Senior and History Month for a compelling “In Conversation” event with Professor Clare Wright OAM, one of Australia’s most influential historians. As she explores the stories behind Victoria’s monuments and the inspiration for her acclaimed project, A Monument of One’s Own. Clare will share the origins of this groundbreaking initiative, discuss the power …
In Conversation with Clare Wright, A Monument of One’s Own Read More »
Join us for a captivating walking tour that blends history and exercise, perfect for enthusiasts of both! Starting at Armadale train station, you'll explore the fascinating past of High Street, one of Victoria's most iconic locations known for its vibrant food scene, fashion boutiques, leisure spots, and stunning architecture. Tour starts at Armadale Train Station …
Isabel takes you on a walk from the East end of the city to the West end, weaving our way through obscure lanes. We explore subtle and obvious reminders of 19th century Melbourne, be it faded signage, or perhaps a column, or tiny remnant as they reveal its past. It is a fascinating look at …
Join stained glass historian, Dr Bronwyn Hughes, on a journey of discovery. Bring your camera and wear your most comfortable walking shoes as we walk and talk down Swanston Street seeing grand installations and unexpected jewels of light. A chance to learn more about the donors, artists, and makers behind the windows and ceilings in …
Hawthorn Village was the first official government village east of the Yarra River and despite development over 150 years, there are still remnants from its early settlement days. It is essential to understand that Hawthorn and its development was shaped by geography, the landscape, the river, the hills, the creeks and the type of soil. …
Melbourne’s city pubs aren’t just places to grab a pint, they’re part of the city’s living history, filled with stories of student days, six o’clock swills, and unexpected characters. Many of these old watering holes have disappeared, but the ones that remain still carry the spirit of Melbourne through their walls. That’s why we’re excited …
A free lecture presented by the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation. Sarah Cove ACR founded the Constable Research Project in conjunction with the V&A Museum in 1986 to study John Constable RA’s materials and techniques from the technical and scientific point of view. Since then she has examined over 250 works from collections worldwide, from …
Fakes and Fortunes! (or, have I found a Constable in my attic?) Read More »
This month, dive into the forces that move us, from the laws of physics and motion to the ripple effects of protest and activism. Spark ideas and learn something new with a full program of expert led talks and tours. Ignite your creativity with fun activities for adults. Choose your own adventure with after-hours child-free …
Step into history with this captivating guided tour of the Shrine Reserve. Over 90 minutes, an expert guide will reveal the deep ties between this iconic green space and the Second World War, marking 80 years since its end in 2025. You’ll uncover the stories behind significant plantings, delve into the architectural features that shape …
Living Memory: Guided Tour of the Shrine Gardens Read More »
Join us for a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Westmeadows, a suburb with a rich history dating back to its establishment in1850 when it was known as the Broadmeadows Township. This area has a fascinating past that stretches back to the early days of European settlement in Australia. Please be aware the event …
Themes explored in the Museum include the history of surgery, from the time of the arrival of Europeans in the Asia-Pacific region including the development of surgical technology; eminent surgeons of the past and their discoveries. This includes the founders of the College, women surgeons, naval surgeons, surgeons in conflict zones, the surgical specialties and …
Explore the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Museum Read More »
Themes explored in the Museum include the history of surgery, from the time of the arrival of Europeans in the Asia-Pacific region including the development of surgical technology; eminent surgeons of the past and their discoveries. This includes the founders of the College, women surgeons, naval surgeons, surgeons in conflict zones, the surgical specialties and …
Explore the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Museum Read More »
The La Trobe Society and freelance historian Susan Priestley FRHSV invite you to join them for the lecture, "The Sound of Music at Port Phillip 1840 to 1842: featuring M. et Mme Gautrot, French stars of the colonial music scene". This lecture promises to be a lively presentation based on Susan's original research about music …
Hidden within a suburban Melbourne cemetery lies a remarkable piece of Egyptian-inspired architecture: the tomb of David Syme, one of the world’s first media tycoons and the influential proprietor of The Age newspaper. Built in 1910, 12 years before the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, this heritage-listed mausoleum is a miniature replica of Trajan’s Kiosk on Philae …
Join us for an informative and engaging session about Hume's heritage collections, with insights from a museum collections specialist. Learn about local Sunbury history and go on a guided tour of the new Hume Civic Collection Store. Bookings are essential if you would like to join the guided tour. Refreshments provided.
Join us to celebrate the publication of Victoria – Suffering to Statehood by Michael P. Rucker Victoria – Suffering to Statehood provides intriguing, and occasionally poignant, details of history not generally found in most Australian history books. Every detail of this fascinating book; political, social and economic, is carefully researched and annotated. The author delves into the actions …
Book Launch: Victoria – Suffering to Statehood by Michael P. Rucker Read More »
Home Comforts invites us to consider, ‘What makes a home, a home?’ Each room of Fairhall has been re-imagined, revealing new stories about the meaning of ‘home’ in the 1700s and 1800s. The exhibition focusses on how families lived in the long eighteenth century: an elegant dining room for entertaining; a nursery with dolls house and cradle; a …
The 90-minute tour will allow you to peer over fences in an elevated bus through the streets of Toorak, Armadale and Malvern. Meeting Point: The tour will start at Town Hall, Malvern and end there. Please remember to wear sensible shoes, weather appropriate clothing and to be courteous to the tour guide, driver and all …
Visit the Historical Australian built Tall Ship Alma Doepel, while you can climb on board and walk the decks at the Melbourne Boat Show. Learn about her amazing history and see the last of her kind built here in Australia. Still under restoration, once completed, she will return to Sail Training voyages for the youth …
Tall Ship Deck Walks on Alma Doepel in Docklands Read More »
Please join the History Council of Victoria’s Annual Lecture to be delivered by Distinguished Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington AO. The evening will also include the presentation of the History Council of Victoria’s major awards: Jane Hansen Prize for History Advocacy Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples’ History in Schools Can I Help You? Recognising and Improving …
Can I Help You? Recognising and Improving Artificial Intelligence as History Maker Read More »
Please join us in commemorating the 170th anniversary of Brighton General Cemetery Date: Sunday 19 October 2025 Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Activities Horse drawn hearse with walking tour at 11.00am Historical Displays Self-guided walks around the cemetery and much more Formal proceedings will take place at 1.00pm with light refreshments to follow. RSVP by 5 October …
Journey into a little-known chapter of Australia’s wartime history as the courage and sacrifice of Royal Australian Air Force aircrew in the Burma Campaign are brought to life for the first time. More than 1,700 RAAF airmen served in the Burma Campaign during the Second World War, flying missions across some of the most challenging …
Book launch: Resolute, The Australian Air War in Burma Read More »
Themes explored in the Museum include the history of surgery, from the time of the arrival of Europeans in the Asia-Pacific region including the development of surgical technology; eminent surgeons of the past and their discoveries. This includes the founders of the College, women surgeons, naval surgeons, surgeons in conflict zones, the surgical specialties and …
Explore the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Museum Read More »
Join us as we set off from the steps of Flinders Street Station to explore the lanes, alleys and arcades that encapsulate Melbourne’s history and, these days, underlie the appeal of the city for locals and visitors of all ages. When: Tuesday 21 October, 10 am – 1 pm Where: Meet at 9.45 am on the steps …
Under the Clocks – Walking Tour with Paul Daffey Read More »
Join Port Melbourne author David Radcliffe as he shares the extraordinary, multi-generational story behind his new book Goldfields to Graceville (2025). For fifty years, David has traced the lives of Amos and Sarah Radcliffe, their thirteen children, and eleven siblings—across three continents and through the 19th and early 20th centuries. We’ll follow adventures from striking …
Living History and Family Stories: Making sense of the past today Read More »
Camouflage isn’t just for the battlefield. It’s a design language that adapts, disrupts and blends across environments. Join a dynamic panel chaired by ABC Radio National's Big Ideas host Natasha Mitchell as we explore how camouflage has evolved from a tool of deception to a symbol of innovation, identity and resistance. Discover how cutting-edge developments …
Designs of Deception: Camouflage, Culture and Innovation Read More »
A special intergenerational workshop, inviting grandparents to share their memories and histories with their loved ones. Using storytelling and craft, participants will leave with tools for conducting gentle family interviews, strategies for engaging different generations in storytelling, and ideas for creating family history projects that honour diverse perspectives and experiences. Presented by Immigration Museum in …
Themes explored in the Museum include the history of surgery, from the time of the arrival of Europeans in the Asia-Pacific region including the development of surgical technology; eminent surgeons of the past and their discoveries. This includes the founders of the College, women surgeons, naval surgeons, surgeons in conflict zones, the surgical specialties and …
Explore the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Museum Read More »
Themes explored in the Museum include the history of surgery, from the time of the arrival of Europeans in the Asia-Pacific region including the development of surgical technology; eminent surgeons of the past and their discoveries. This includes the founders of the College, women surgeons, naval surgeons, surgeons in conflict zones, the surgical specialties and …
Explore the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Museum Read More »
Join us for the launch of Piracy in the Bay – The Great Nelson Gold Robbery, which details the greatest single act of theft in Australian history. In April 1852, the barque, Nelson – Captain Walter Wright commander – lay at anchor in Hobson’s Bay, preparing to sail for London with more than 8,000 ounces of gold secured …
Book launch: Piracy in the Bay – The Great Nelson Gold Robbery Read More »
This year, Peter FitzSimons is embarking on his biggest book tour yet . . . From Benalla and Wangaratta, Weary’s hometown and birthplace, to Port Macquarie and Brisbane, where Weary Dunlop’s legacy still endures. Other highlights include: The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne’s CBD, The Australian War Memorial in Canberra and a Sydney launch alongside Richard Glover …
Book Tour: The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop by Peter FitzSimons Read More »
Our Special Interest Tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to The Johnston Collection and allow visitors to see hidden aspects and interior details of items in our historic East Melbourne townhouse, Fairhall. Join one of our expert volunteer guides and unlock the doors, lids and covers of objects in a small group limited to just 8 people. Experience new aspects of fine …
The 90-minute tour will allow you to peer over fences in an elevated bus through the streets of Toorak, Armadale and Malvern. Meeting Point: The tour will start at Town Hall, Malvern and end there. Please remember to wear sensible shoes, weather appropriate clothing and to be courteous to the tour guide, driver and all …
Hidden within a suburban Melbourne cemetery lies a remarkable piece of Egyptian-inspired architecture: the tomb of David Syme, one of the world’s first media tycoons and the influential proprietor of The Age newspaper. Built in 1910—12 years before the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb—this heritage-listed mausoleum is a miniature replica of Trajan’s Kiosk on Agilikea …
