Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May , 3 tours:
11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm (aporoximately 45 minute duration).
Sunday 24 May , 4 tours:
10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm (aporoximately 45 minute duration).
Meet in the Foyer
Plus bkg. fee
Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
The origin of Mechanics' Institutes
Dr. George Birkbeck, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement.
These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States.
- By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.
- The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.
- Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute became
the Athenaeum in 1873).
The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee & Phil Roberts).
This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop.
Cost $11 per person plus fees.
Accessibility:
Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.
BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility
This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
