From the Curator | Living Heritage

In the 1870’s the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute was the recipient of three volumes of plant specimens, or herbariums, compiled by Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller. 🌱 🌸
 
Mueller was the first government botanist for the Colony of Victoria, serving from 1853 to 1896, and Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria from 1857 to 1873.
 
Mueller believed that herbariums were the best means to “diffuse information on the native vegetation” to the general public.
 
This echoes the mission of the mechanics’ institute movement, “to facilitate the diffusion of useful knowledge.” Beginning in the early 19th century, mechanics’ institutes were educational establishments that provided access to the working class to pursue knowledge and self-development. 📖 💭
 
The herbariums have recently received much needed conservation work by the amazing team at Grimwade Conservation Services. These precious 150 year-old specimens, were available for viewing as part of the 2023 Ballarat Heritage Festival. 🤩
 
The specimens are on display in our beautiful heritage reading room, which contains a heritage listed collection of books representative of a mechanics’ institute library in the 1800’s. 📚
 
The conservation work for the specimens, rare books and an artwork from the BMI collection was supported by the Victorian Government through a Living Heritage Grant.

Recent News

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing