History Month 2026

Party Lines and Trunk Calls – A Curated Objects Exhibition
2025-11-02 08:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-01 08:30 - 17:00, 2025-10-31 08:30 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Old Courthouse, Main Street, Natimuk, Victoria, Old Courthouse, Main Street, Natimuk, VIC, 3409, Australia
Created for the Nati Frinj Biennale 2025, this projected is supported by Arapiles Historical Society. Focussing on the history of telephones, this exhibition celebrates the work of the women who were employed in the Natimuk Exchange, made trunk calls or used party lines for private communications from local or remoted properties.
Featuring what is now seen as dinosaur technology, the selected objects range from wooden wall phones, 1910 to quirky, telephone-inspired fashion accessories in 2024. A soundscape brings to life snippets of stories that capture observations about early telephones and the work involved in a telephone exchange.
A black and white image of 1950/60 women on an exchange has been reproduced with permission from RHSV, and will be hung in the exhibition. In the image, the photograph is placed temporarily on the remains of the original Natimuk telephone exchange. This magnificent object is a major feature of the exhibition and is a treasured item in the Arapiles Historical Society collection.

Hatch Match and Despatch
2025-11-01 11:00 - 15:00 | Daylesford Museum, 100 Vincent Street, Daylesford, 3460
Our new exhibition will showcase costumes, objects and archives from our collection to highlight the subjects of birth, marriage and death. Our museum is open every Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

Tales from the Grave
2025-10-31 15:00 - 16:30 | Boronia Library, 7 Park Cres, Boronia, VIC, 3155, Australia
Have you ever looked at a grave and wondered who the person interred there was? What was their life like? What was their story? Or did they do something incredible? Join our family history team to discover the stories of some people that are buried beneath the headstones in some of Australia’s graveyards and cemeteries. Bookings essential

Cape Schanck Lighthouse Tower Climb tours
2025-10-31 11:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 11:00 - 16:00 | VIC
Cape Schanck Lighthouse Tower Climb tours
Worth a visit for the spectacular views, and to go back in time to the era and romance of lighthouses.
Visit the iconic 166 year old Mornington Peninsula Lighthouse, shining the light every night since 30th June 1859.
The Lady of History team of Lighthouses of Victoria invite visitors to come on a tour of the historic 1859 21 metre high Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
Climb the steps to the Lantern room, see the First Order lens (the oldest operating in Australia) and find out about the history of the lighthouse, and how it still operates to this day, then experience the view across Bass Strait from the Lighthouse Balcony.
Explore the Museum and find out about the world of the Lighthouse keepers and their families
These guided tours are suitable for all ages.
Tours start from the Kiosk Red Brick House (former 1939 Lighthouse Keeper’s quarters) in the grounds of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve – look for the building with the coloured flags.
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear and note that it can be very windy on the tower balcony.

Don’t forget to bring a camera, preferably with a strap or other holding device.
Tours are approximately 45 minutes
Tour start times: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
Prices: $16 Adult (15 years +), $9 Child (3 – 14 years)
Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) $45 = 4 tickets
Tours include the History Talks in the Red Brick House and a tour of the Lighthouse to the Lantern Room and Balcony levels.
Museum in the Red Brick House is open with entry by donation.
Additional tours of the old Assistant Lightkeeper’s Quarters and the Head Lighthouse keeper’s House are available on selected dates at 12.15pm and 2.15pm (Fees apply)
Please note the following tour conditions:
– Tours are conducted to meet the requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Maximum 10 adults per tour.
– Lighthouse tour participants must be able to climb stairs. Accessible tours of the Museum and Head Lighthouse Keeper’s House are available. Please enquire at the Red Brick House.
– No food or drink except water in the tower and there is no smoking permitted inside any of the buildings.
– Lighthouse Tower Climb tours are suitable for age 3 and over. Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
To book online go to www.trybooking.com/CZEGK. Select a date and a session time and have your VISA or MasterCard handy.
Bottled Water, Ice Creams, Snacks, Lighthouse Models, Mugs, Magnets, Badges, ‘Send a Message’ TM customised Cape Schanck postal Bottles, Signal Flag T-shirts and books on history and shipwrecks, and Lighthouses of Australia Inc. merchandise for sale from the Red Brick House. Tea and Coffee available.
Please arrive 10 minutes in advance of your tour time and report to the Red Brick House to collect your Tour Tickets
The Lady of History is a Licensed Parks Victoria Tour Operator. All of The Lady of History Tour guides are experienced and qualified by AMSA and hold Working with Children Checks and First Aid qualifications.
Janice Haynes – The Lady of History is the Victorian representative on LOA (Lighthouses of Australia) Inc. and the Merchandise Officer, and upholds the values to ‘Preserve, Protect and Promote’ Australia’s Lighthouse History.
As a speaker Janice is available to present for schools and groups with stories and the history of lighthouses. Schools and groups are also welcome to make site visits to Cape Schanck.
Venue: Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve
420 Cape Schanck Lighthouse Road Cape Schanck, Victoria 3939
Contact Details: Any queries please contact Janice Haynes – The Lady of History (Lighthouses of Victoria)
PH: 0407 348 478, Email: janice@theladyofhistory.com.au, www.facebook.com/lighthousecapeschanck or www.facebook.com/theladyofhistory

Swinging Sixties
2025-10-31 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Old Treasury Building, 20 Spring Street, East Melbourne, 3002
The Swinging Sixties is a new exhibition opening at the Old Treasury Building on 20 October. From miniskirts to The Beatles, protest to the Pill, Swinging Sixties explores life in Victoria in that turbulent decade, and asks: ‘Did Victoria swing in the sixties?’ Come along and make up your mind. Entry is free.

A Monumental Egyptian Tomb In Melbourne
2025-10-30 18:30 - 19:30 | Kew Library, Cnr Cotham Road and Civic Drive, Kew, 3101
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 Island in Egypt.
Designed by renowned architects Walter Richmond Butler and Ernest Royston Bradshaw, and adorned with copper and iron fittings crafted by artist Mabel Young, the tomb is a masterpiece of Arts and Crafts design.In this captivating talk, artist-turned-researcher Setken delves into the fascinating history of the Syme tomb, uncovering its architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and the mysterious stories surrounding its creation. From the influence of Egyptology and Theosophy to the role of the Victorian Spiritualist Union and Syme’s connection with Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, Setken reveals how this extraordinary monument reflects Melbourne’s lost history. The presentation also highlights the curious case of misattributed authorship that nearly erased Butler and Bradshaw’s legacy, and connects the tomb with a famous-in-the-day occultist and author.Featuring unpublished research, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling, this talk is a journey into Melbourne’s hidden past and the life of a complex man whose tomb stands as a testament to an era of spiritual exploration and artistic innovation.

Ghosts of the Goldfields: Hauntings, Hoaxes, and Halloween
2025-10-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Golden Point, VIC, 3350, Australia
History Matters: Ghosts of the Goldfields – Hauntings, Hoaxes, and Halloween
Join Dr. David Waldron for a spine-chilling exploration of ghostly tales from Victoria’s gold rush era.
Drawing on his extensive research, Dr. Waldron will uncover how ghost stories emerged as a cultural response to trauma, blending history, folklore, and the eerie tradition of ‘playing the ghost.’
From the haunted halls of the Ararat Lunatic Asylum to Ballarat’s spectral legends, discover the strange and supernatural world of 19th-century Australia.

Stonnington Mansion Afternoon Bus Tour
2025-10-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Malvern Town Hall 1251 High St, Malvern, Melbourne, 1251 High St, Malvern, 3144, Australia
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 other attendees while on this tour.
About the Tour Guide, Steve Stefanopoulos OAM: is an architectural historian, former Mayor of the City of Stonnington and President of the PMI Victorian History Library.
We are very grateful to Steve Stefanopoulos OAM for continuing to support the Library by generously volunteering his time and knowledge to these tours.

Unlocking The Collection
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:30 | 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, 3002, Australia
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 and decorative arts and learn more about our fascinating Collection.
Visitors enjoy:

an introduction to The Johnston Collection by a knowledgeable volunteer guide
an intimate tour experience in Fairhall exhibition house (no more than eight visitors per group)
tea or Market Lane coffee served from Wedgwood bone china before the tour
behind-the-scenes access to Collection objects
time after the tour to explore our exclusive range of gifts and homewares at our museum shop: TJC Emporium

Book Tour: The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop by Peter FitzSimons
2025-10-28 18:00 - 19:30 | VIC
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 to discuss The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop.
26 days, 7,819 kilometres, all to remember the heroic life of an extraordinary man.
Please come along to learn and celebrate the legend that is Weary Dunlop with Australia’s greatest storyteller! Event details and booking links below.
BENALLA
Benalla Visitor Information Centre
Tuesday 28 October, 6:00PM – 9:00PM
14 Mair Street, Benalla
Book Tickets Here
BEECHWORTH
Beechworth Servicemen’s Memorial Hall
Wednesday 29 October, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
101 Ford Street, Beechworth
Book Tickets Here
WANGARATTA
Wangaratta Performing Arts & Conversation Centre, Memorial Hall
Thursday 30 October, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
33-37 Ford Street, Wangaratta
Book Tickets Here
SHEPPARTON
Shepparton Library
Friday 31 October, 6:30PM – 7:30PM
41-42 Marungi Street, Shepparton
Book Tickets Here
SWAN HILL
Swan Hill Library
Saturday 1 November, 1:00PM – 2:30PM
53-67 Campbell Street, Swan Hill
Book Tickets Here
ECHUCA
Echuca Library
Saturday 1 November, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
310 Hare Street, Echuca
Book Tickets Here
MELBOURNE
Brighton Town Hall with Michael Veitch
Monday 10 November, 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Corner Carpenter Street And Wilson Street, Brighton
Book Tickets Here
MELBOURNE
Shrine of Remembrance, Auditorium
Remembrance Day, Tuesday 11 November, 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Birdwood Ave, Melbourne
Book Tickets Here
MELBOURNE
Weary Dunlop Retirement Village
Wednesday 12 November, 10:00AM – 11:00AM
242 Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill
Book Tickets Here
MELBOURNE
Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub, Theatrette
Wednesday 12 November, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe
Book Tickets Here
PHILLIP ISLAND
Berninneit Cultural Centre
Thursday 13 November, 10.30AM – 12:00PM
91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Book Tickets Here
BENDIGO
The Capital Theatre
Friday 14 November, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
50 View Street, Bendigo
Book Tickets Here
GUILDFORD
The Guildford Family Hotel
Saturday 15 November, 12:00PM – 3:00PM
35 Fryers Street, Guildford
Book Tickets Here
STAWELL
Stawell Library
Monday 17 November, 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Sloane Street, Stawell
Details here; RSVP for light lunch on 03 5358 1274.
HORSHAM
Horsham Library
Monday 17 November, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
28 McLachlan Street, Horsham
Book Tickets Here
HAMILTON
Hamilton Performing Arts Centre
Tuesday 18 November, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
113 Brown Street, Hamilton
Book Tickets Here
WARRNAMBOOL
Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre
Wednesday 19 November, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
8 Kepler Street, Warrnambool
Book Tickets Here
BALLARAT
Old Colonists Club, Collins Booksellers on Lydiard Street
Thursday 20 November, 6:30PM – 8:00PM
16 Lydiard Street, North Ballarat Central
Book Tickets Here

Book launch: Piracy in the Bay – The Great Nelson Gold Robbery
2025-10-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Royal Historical Society of Victoria, 239 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
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 in her hold. That night, a group of armed men boarded the vessel, overpowered her crew, shot her first mate, and escaped with a fortune – worth today more than $35 million dollars.
Piracy in the Bay is the first comprehensive study of this remarkable event. Drawing on trial transcripts, eyewitness testimony, contemporary newspaper accounts and unpublished family archives, Paul Wright – great grandson of the Nelson‘s captain – reconstructs the crime with precision and insight. It is a story backed up by never-before published photographs of some of the principal players in the Nelson affair.
But far beyond the drama of the robbery itself, the book situates the piracy within the wider social, political and economic upheavals of the gold rush era. It explores the implications for colonial law enforcement, the press, and public attitudes toward convict transportation, while also challenging novelist Marcus Clarke’s defamatory insinuations against Captain Walter Wright.
Meticulously researched and compellingly told, Piracy in the Bay restores the Nelson robbery to its rightful place as one of the most extraordinary episodes in Australian history.

The Bell Family Of Gulf Station
2025-10-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Montrose Library, 935 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Montrose, VIC, 3765, Australia
Scottish settlers Agnes and William Bell were the first to lease the land. From the 1850s to the 1950s, Gulf Station supplied produce to gold miners of the district.
Join Alan, who is one of the last few direct descendants of Agnes and William Bell, for an informative talk about Gulf Station and the stories of the Bell family. Bookings essential
Alan will have his book ‘The Bells of Gulf Station : pioneer farmers in the Yarra Valley 1850-1950’ for sale on the day. Books are $22 each. Cash only

The Melbourne Cup
2025-10-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, Studio 1 Community Hub, 15 Barnet Way,, Richmond, VIC, 3121, Australia
We’ll be discussing the history of the Melbourne Cup.
From Phar Lap to Makybe Diva, discover the fascinating story of how the Melbourne Cup began in 1861 and grew into ‘the race that stops a nation.’
This talk explores legendary winners and how the Cup evolved from a local contest into a world-renowned international event.
Refreshments included.

Explore the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Museum
2025-10-28 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-10-27 10:30 - 13:30 | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Museum, 250 - 290 Spring Street, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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 the history of the College’s formation.

On display are historical surgical instruments; objects from the history of all the surgical specialties; items that tell the story of College traditions; and items related to public health campaigns.

The Museum is located on the lower ground floor, south wing of the Melbourne building. It is open to the public 10am–2pm, Monday and Tuesday. A gold coin donation is appreciated for a museum visit.

Please be aware that this is a self-guided tour.

Walking Tour of Melba Park
2025-10-28 10:00 - 23:00 | Lilydale Library, Box Hill Institute Lilydale Campus, Jarlo Drive, Lilydale, VIC, 3140, Australia
Created in 1867 as part of the original Lilydale township plan, the park has been used for a variety of recreational purposes for over a century and is an important part of the town’s heritage with links to Dame Nellie Melba, David Mitchell, Robert Baden Powell along with many others.
President of the Lilydale and District Historical Society, Maria McCarthy is our tour guide for this fascinating walking tour of Melba Park.
Join Maria to learn about the history of this iconic park as well as some wonderful stories associated with significant trees, the gates, the surrounding buildings and much more. Bookings essential
Please note: this is a walking tour which will be approximately 1 hour in length. There maybe some uneven surfaces and steps.

Celebrating Local history 1955 to 2000
2025-10-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Old school Museum, 29 Elgin Street, Myrtleford, 3737
Display of photos and items that represent the events that have occurred from 1955 to 2000.

My family history - Sunday Connections
2025-10-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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 partnership with renowned photographer, curator and lecturer, Pia Johnson. Stemming from her mixed background of Chinese Italian Australian descent, Pia’s practice is engaged in performance, transcultural identity and belonging.
All materials provided; bring your curiosity and family photos to share. Ages 8+.
Immigration Museum is guide-dog friendly and wheelchair accessible. For access requirements please contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at mvbookings@museum.vic.gov.au to discuss how we can support your visit.
Price:

Adult: $15
Museum Member: $13
Senior: $10
Concession: $11
Child: $6

Harpsdale – Celebrating 150 years
2025-10-26 10:00 - 17:00 | Harpsdale Homestead, 860 Craigieburn Road ,, Yuroke
The homestead was built by the pioneering Brodie family in 1875. They arrived in Tasmania in 1823, from Scotland and in 1836 moved to Victoria and settled in the Bulla Bulla area as squatters with 1000 head of sheep. This area of Victoria is heavily influenced by these early Scottish settlers.
Harpsdale has been in the Simmie family since 1940. Set in a hectare of formal gardens featuring many trees from the late 19th century and the 1940s.
With information about the Brodie & Simmie families, regional aboriginal history and the architect of the homestead, J A B Koch, of National Trust, ‘Labassa’ fame. The stables are full of historical artifacts. The garden shed was the original Blacksmith workshop.
Wander the machinery yard and view a selection of mid 20th century farming implements.
860 Craigieburn Road
Yuroke 3063
Just 12 minutes past Melbourne Airport and 7 km west of Craigieburn.
Take a tour of the Simmie Family website: https://simmiefamilybusiness.com/simmie-family/
All money raised goes to the City of Hume Heritage Conservations Fund.

Linen and Lace: An exhibition through the decades
2025-10-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117 - 119 Sturt Street, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
Together with The Fashion in Time Club, a wide selection of special curated pieces from private collections will be on display. A variety of linen and lace taking you through the decades, 1880 to 1970. Fine hand made lace to delicate embroidery.
If you love vintage, antiques and fashion – don’t miss it!
Tickets includes Devonshire Tea.
Bookings can also be made by a visit to the BMI Library.

Gulf Station Heritage Festival
2025-10-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Gulf Station, 1029 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen, VIC, 3775, Australia
Step back in time at the Gulf Station Heritage Festival in Yarra Glen. This family-friendly event offers a unique glimpse into the past, where traditional trades and local stories come alive in a historic setting. Demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodworking, antique tools and machinery, as well as rare farm animals, market stalls, plant sales, food vendors and more.

Lang Lang Cemetery Walk
2025-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Lang Lang Cemetery, McDonald's Track, Lang Lang, 3984
Join us on a walk around this beautiful little cemetery and listen to our stories of people and families in times past.
A light morning tea will be served at the conclusion of the 90 minute walk.
$10 per adult (children under 16 free). Bookings essential: cemetery.tours@nwfhg.org.au or phone Jane on 0412 084 671
