BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T183000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20241219T040512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113137Z UID:60826-1744219800-1744223400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: War Grieving - Doctor's Perspective DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/war-grieving-doctors-perspective/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-war-grieving-doctors.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250409T200000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250318T005938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013240Z UID:62939-1744225200-1744228800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Ali Lowe & Vanessa McCausland DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ali-lowe-vanessa-mccausland/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/promo-ali-vanessa.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T150000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250106T033654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T230249Z UID:60933-1744725600-1744729200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-jan-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T183000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20241219T044531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113132Z UID:60832-1744824600-1744828200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Medals and Memorabilia DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/medals-and-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-medals-memoribilia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-aust-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T183000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20241219T044445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113134Z UID:60830-1745429400-1745433000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Feeling the Battlefield Spirits DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stories-of-the-somme/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-spirits.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T203000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250120T002601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003154Z UID:61331-1745609400-1745613000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, This Tour is now Fully Booked DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T223000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250120T004138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003145Z UID:61339-1745616600-1745620200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, Tour 2 DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250218T012450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T045401Z UID:62175-1745949600-1745955000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Shelley Burr DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/shelley-burr/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo-shelley-burr.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T183000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250108T020658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113126Z UID:60981-1746034200-1746037800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2\, Special Event | The Life of Walter Withers DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-life-of-walter-withers/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-david-rathgen-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250501T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250501T200000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20241204T012140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T031044Z UID:60465-1746122400-1746129600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Natasha Lester DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/natasha-lester/ LOCATION:City of Ballarat CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sq-promo-natasha-lester-1-may.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250401T040022Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T010026Z UID:64144-1746640800-1746646200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mimi Kwa DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mimi-kwa/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-mimi-kwa-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250304T015324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T024750Z UID:62426-1747245600-1747251000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Darcy Tindale DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/darcy-tindale/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/darcy-tindale-sq-promp.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T203000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250210T002600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222312Z UID:61825-1747423800-1747427400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - NOW FULLY BOOKED DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T223000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250210T001340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222405Z UID:61817-1747431000-1747434600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - NOW FULLY BOOKED DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T203000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250210T002829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T223444Z UID:61827-1747596600-1747600200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T223000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250210T012647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003042Z UID:61846-1747603800-1747607400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250317T030244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070405Z UID:62929-1747738800-1747742400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 1 DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250113T050453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070422Z UID:61152-1747749600-1747753200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 2 DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250317T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070359Z UID:62934-1747825200-1747828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 3 DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T201500 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250409T021703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060122Z UID:64409-1748025000-1748031300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Blazing Saddles DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-blazing-saddles/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/blazing-saddles-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T203000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250523T224500 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250417T020931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T060211Z UID:64570-1748032200-1748040300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-chinatown/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-chinatown2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250524T122000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250417T024436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T035052Z UID:64583-1748080800-1748089200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Mary Poppins DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/vegas-70-mary-poppins/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Film,Fundraiser ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promos-mary-poppins.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250528T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250313T021402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T013932Z UID:62648-1748455200-1748460600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Nicole Alexander DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/nicole-alexander/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sq-promo-nicole-alexander.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250531T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250601T140000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250409T000912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T012549Z UID:64380-1748685600-1748786400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Winter Book Sale | Stockpile your winter reading DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/book-sale-june-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Culture,Fundraiser,Library,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/book-sale-winter-sq-promo-pexels-clem-onojeghuo-375892-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250603T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250701T150000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250113T050930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T053004Z UID:61155-1748959200-1751382000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-may-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250604T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250307T025149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T051907Z UID:62519-1749060000-1749065400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gail Holmes DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/gail-holmes/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sq-promo-gail-holmes-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250625T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250625T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250403T040834Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T020208Z UID:64256-1750874400-1750879800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kylie Ladd | This event has now been CANCELLED DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kylie-ladd/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/kylie-ladd-promo-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T150000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250317T032147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T005150Z UID:62936-1751983200-1751986800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Winter Festival 8 July DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-winter-festival-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Winter Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T163000 DTSTAMP:20260610T164010 CREATED:20250523T031147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T030941Z UID:65105-1751986800-1751992200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Author Talk | J.S. Davidson 'Hunted' & 'Tethered' | Now CANCELLED DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only\, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days\, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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 and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/hunted-tethered-davidson/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Ballarat Winter Festival,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sq-promos-davidson-h-t.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR