BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//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:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT 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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250923T052206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044330Z UID:67565-1777064400-1777068000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-24-apr-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,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:20260424T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20260310T000249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044311Z UID:71128-1777057200-1777060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-24-apr-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,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:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250923T045702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051149Z UID:67545-1765566000-1765569600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-12-dec-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,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:20251115T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250923T051356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052637Z UID:67555-1763240400-1763244000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,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:20251115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250923T040314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052823Z UID:67502-1763233200-1763236800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,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:20251031T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250923T044958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051126Z UID:67531-1761944400-1761948000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20251031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T200000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250923T045951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051016Z UID:67550-1761937200-1761940800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20250715T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250715T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250527T053759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T005007Z UID:65236-1752588000-1752591600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Winter Festival 15 July DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-winter-festival-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,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:20250708T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 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:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20250603T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250701T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250113T050930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T053004Z UID:61155-1748959200-1751382000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20250521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 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:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 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:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 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:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20250415T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20250106T033654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T230249Z UID:60933-1744725600-1744729200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. 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:20241123T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071620 CREATED:20241006T223455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211619Z UID:59336-1732397400-1732401000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 4 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,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:20241123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20241006T223241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211621Z UID:59334-1732390200-1732393800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,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:20241025T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T223000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20241006T223714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T221153Z UID:59338-1729891800-1729895400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20241025T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20241006T222136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T221156Z UID:59326-1729884600-1729888200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 1 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival 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:20241004T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T153000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240702T054436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240710T061305Z UID:56811-1728052200-1728055800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Victorian Seniors Festival | Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tour-seniors-festival-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/new-tour-brochure-image-pink-e1719898410896.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T133000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240702T054418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240710T061440Z UID:56810-1728045000-1728048600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Victorian Seniors Festival | Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tour-seniors-festival-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/new-tour-brochure-image-pink-e1719898410896.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T113000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240702T030331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T082955Z UID:56794-1728037800-1728041400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Victorian Seniors Festival | Tour 1 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tour-seniors-festival-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/new-tour-brochure-image-pink-e1719898410896.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240528T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241029T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240229T025811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T032043Z UID:51849-1716904800-1730214000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-copy-2-2-copy/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20240521T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240226T031716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143017Z UID:51554-1716325200-1716328800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 4 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-copy-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,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:20240521T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240226T032014Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143005Z UID:51556-1716319800-1716323400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 3 | This session is now fully booked DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-copy-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,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:20240521T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240521T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240229T030728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142955Z UID:51861-1716300000-1716303600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-festival/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BMI_upshot_evening-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240226T025525Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143020Z UID:51530-1715979600-1715983200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-copy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,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:20240517T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240517T203000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20240226T023808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240517T011235Z UID:51520-1715974200-1715977800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 1 | This session is now fully booked. DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Night Tours,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:20240109T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240514T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20231026T001524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T030128Z UID:46767-1704808800-1715698800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-copy-2-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20231126T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231126T220000 DTSTAMP:20260508T071621 CREATED:20231019T064643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231115T230832Z UID:46420-1701032400-1701036000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tours DESCRIPTION:Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute \n \n Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May \, 3 tours:  11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n Sunday 24 May \, 4 tours:  10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm  (aporoximately 45 minute duration). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 21\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n11:30 am\n\n \n\n \n \n - \n\n May 24\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n12:15 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet in the Foyer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute \n \n The origin of Mechanics' Institutes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. George Birkbeck\, a professor of natural philosophy in Glasgow\, held the first lectures for the skilled workers of the day in 1799. He is acknowledged as the founder of the mechanics institute movement. These lectures led to facilities dedicated to workers’ education – the Edinburgh School of Arts opened in 1821 and the London Mechanics’ Institute in 1823. Then\, in the 19th century Institutes spread rapidly throughout the British Empire and to other areas such as the United States. By 1851 over 700 Institutes were operating throughout Britain.The first Australian Institute was established in Hobart in 1827.Sydney followed in 1833 and Melbourne in 1839 (the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute becamethe Athenaeum in 1873). \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze | Tour information \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 & 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost $11 per person plus fees. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: Most of the tour experience is wheelchair accessible.  BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-november-9/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/costumes-night-tours-insta-facebook-special-offer-e1700018159487.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR