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22/05/2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $15 Up close and personal with Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller - Baron von Mueller was appointed government botanist for the then colony of Victoria by Governor Charles La Trobe in 1853, and later director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. He also founded the National Herbarium of Victoria and named many Australian plants. Come along…
22/05/2023 @ 10:30 am - 2:30 pm Victorian Collections Introductory Cataloguing Workshop This workshop provides an introduction to the principles of collections management and catalogue documentation. Participants will learn how to best physically manage their collection items as well as digitally document them using Victorian Collections: a free, web-based and easy-to-use collections management system. Topics covered in this workshop include: Introduction to…
22/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes…
23/05/2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $20. Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat Heritage Festival. We have a great line-up of talks: Restoration of BMI Treasures Featuring Grimwade Conservation Services representatives outlining the recent restoration of the Baron von Mueller plant specimen folios, restoration of valuable books and heritage painting. This project was supported by a Living Heritage Grant…
23/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes…
16/05/2023 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm $10.00 Image: Courtesy Paul Lambeth The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. Tuesday’s at 2pm By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Please complete the on-line booking form. Cost (incl. gst) $10 per person Find out about our Night Tours More Tour Information Enq/Book a…
23/05/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
24/05/2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $15 A detailed look at the restoration of The Girl in the Bonnet and other needy artworks in the collection. Book attendance | $15 BMI members | $25 Regular fee. Bookings View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI Melba Opera Trust Scholars announced for 4 June…
24/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes…
24/05/2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm $10 Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat Session 5: This session is now fully booked Wedneday 24 May | 5.30pm Ballarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street Chinese History "Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate…
25/05/2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $15 The BMI is home to thousands of photographs of Ballarat through the ages. Through the lens of several different photographers and collectors including Max Harris, the BMI might just have that photograph you are looking for! Book attendance | $15 BMI members | $25 Regular fee. Bookings View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival…
25/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes…
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
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