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This image was used as part of an exhibition of photographs from the Max Harris Collection on the theme of Rupture for the 2023 Ballarat International Foto Biennale. On New Year’s Eve in 1991, Ballarat experienced 76mm of rainfall which caused flooding across the city. This photograph shows Lydiard Street North cut off from the city at […]
From the Curator | Ballarat International Foto Biennale Read More »
The history of the (now) Canberra Hotel on the corner of Creswick Road and Macarthur Street. The first hotel on the site was called The Cornubian Hotel, a single-storey timber building constructed in 1861. The first licensee was William Ball (or Bull), but following his death in 1863, the license was transferred to Margaret Maule,
From the Curator | History of the Canberra Hotel Read More »
Christmas time in Ballart allows us to feature the long-time producer of a Christmas banquet staple, George Farmer’s ham and bacon curing works on Eureka Street. George Farmer first set up his curing business in 1864. Farmer reportedly travelled to America and Europe to investigate curing methods and adapt his findings to “Australian tastes and
From the Curator | Christmas time George Farmers Read More »
This work is the large painting between the stairs leading to the Humffray Room. It seems it was left over from the BMI Art Union of 1874 and an arrangement was made with the artist Mr Burtt for the BMI to retain it… The frame has been professionally restored and re-gilded, and the painting cleaned by
Rex’s Snippets | Governor Sir Charles Darling Read More »
A call for expressions of interest for:1) Anyone with the RSA certificate (or anyone willing to undertake the ‘Responsible Service of Alcohol’ certificate) to volunteer for Bar Operations at the BMI. 2) And, or we are also looking for volunteers to assist with BMI events that support Ballarat Festivals and Events. We would love to hear from
Would you like to help in delivering BMI services Read More »
How about a journey in a Withers’ White Char-à-banc?The char-à-banc, which comes from the French “carriage with benches”, was a horse-drawn vehicle or later, motor coach. They were open-topped and were often used for taking large parties on sight-seeing adventures. Withers started his char-à-banc business in 1907, escorting Melbournites on sight-seeing trips around country Victoria.A four-day
From the Curator | Fancy taking a jaunt to the country this weekend? Read More »
Extract from the Heritage Victoria Register BMI statement of significance. “The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in Ballarat was built in two main stages, in 1860-61 and in 1869-70. The Institute had first met unofficially in 1854, with space provided for the first reading room in the Ballarat Fire Brigade building, but a site for a new
Rex’s Snippets | Is it AA or A in Ballaarat? Read More »
1. MH1335 Ballarat Post Office, post 1905. Max Harris Collection. Note the disappearing electric tram lines – some crude early photoshop! For today’s #flashbackfriday, we are featuring the old Ballarat Post Office. In the early days of the Ballarat Goldfields, the swelling population were forced to trek three miles to the Buninyong Post Office to
From the Curator | Post Office Gallery Read More »
Did you know that in 2010 the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute received recognition from UNESCO? It was in the form of a Honourable Mention in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. This was to recognise the major renovations to the building that took place in that period, and names Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute
Rex’s Snippets | UNESCO 2010 Honourable Mention Read More »
In the 1870’s the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute was the recipient of three volumes of plant specimens, or herbariums, compiled by Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller. Mueller was the first government botanist for the Colony of Victoria, serving from 1853 to 1896, and Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria from 1857 to 1873. Mueller believed that
From the Curator | Living Heritage Read More »
Trivia Night Fundraiser
26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door
$25 per person | $20 BMI members
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
