Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Respected historian Michael Belcher to lead Friends of Grossmann House Heritage Walk tour

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Once known as a grand boulevard linking all governmental, educational and ecclesiastical facilities for the region, the Glebe precinct is interesting and intriguing in equal measures.
And as part of the latest Friends of Grossmann House Heritage Walk historian Michael Belcher will reveal why.
“It’s not often you can stand on one spot in Australia, let alone Maitland, and see evidence spanning thousands of years of natural and man-made history,” Dr Belcher said.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Sept. 10, 2015.

New era at the Australian Museum

Stage One of the Australian Museum transformation was officially opened by the Premier Mike Baird and the Deputy Premier Troy Grant heralding a new era at the AM.

Our striking new Crystal Hall entrance and Wild Planet gallery, the first new permanent exhibition space to be added to the AM in 50 years, opened today.

You will now enter the AM via Museum Walk following in 20,000 year old Mungo footsteps. Our new walkway features engravings of footprints found in the Lake Willandra World Heritage area of western NSW, home to the world’s oldest fossilised footsteps.  Now you can explore Wild Planet where you’ll meet over 400 animals from around the world – an extraordinary mix of thriving, rare, endangered, native, exotic and extinct species. Also discover our newly refurbished First Australians galleries showcasing the diversity of Indigenous Australian cultures.
http://australianmuseum.net.au/

Flashback Friday: kids through the ages - Maitland Mercury

Pictorial feature:
The Mercury photographers have captured Maitland's kids at play over the years.
Look back at the fun and see if you can spot yourself and anyone you know.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Sept. 10, 2015.

Bravery of Tunnelling Corps remembered in exhibition - Maitland Regional Museum

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The Maitland Regional Museum has partnered with the Geological Survey of NSW and Friends of Grossmann House to tell the story of the Maitland men who laid down their lives as part of the Tunnelling Corps during World War I. 
They are calling on the descendents of local members of the corps to help them shine a light on the amazing feats of the subterranean soldiers.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury,

Maitland councillors oppose Morpeth seniors development on heritage grounds

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland City Council will ­formally object to a plan to use a Morpeth property as the site for a new seniors residential development.
Scott Property Development wants to establish a seniors living estate on land in Duke Street, comprised of a hostel that includes 40 apartments and a retirement village made up of 250 villa and town house-style homes.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Sept. 8, 2015.

Maitland's Monte Pio becomes a Mercure hotel

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The city’s oldest accommodation provider has changed colours to become the Mercure Maitland Monte Pio.
The deal follows extensive renovations, worth $2.5 million, designed to make the old convent the city.
Hotel manager Atul Seth said there was a certain expectation that the old dame had to uphold.
“It’s a beautiful building with so much history,” he said.
“It’s iconic – it’s almost been here forever.”

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Sept. 3, 2015.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

War, Nationalism and Identity : History Week, Maitland City Library

It is often argued that Australia's military involvement in war and international theatres of conflict from the Sudan to Afghanistan, has done much to shape an enduring image of Australian national character.
In War, Nationalism and Identity school students from Maitland high schools will present a personal view of their journey through the study of Australia in wartime, and how it has shaped their own views of Australia's history and national identity.
Thursday 10 September
6.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Maitland Gaol
Free

Book now
http://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/library/

Renovated historic Maitland home Verona sells for $880,000

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Verona, the Victorian-era gem at the top of High Street, Maitland, has sold for $880,000.
At a time when even modest ­suburban homes sell for $1 million and above in Newcastle, this ­mansion could be considered a ­bargain.
The two-storey, four-bedroom, two-bathroom home on 1500 square metres of land had received a lot of love from vendors Hardy and Jacqueline Gitzel, who undertook massive renovations to the property.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Sept. 1, 2015.

Lasting Legacies: History Week and the 100th anniversary of ANZAC at Maitland City Library

Celebrating History Week and the 100th anniversary of ANZAC, extraordinary World War One artefacts from the State Library of NSW’s collection are heading to Maitland.

Referring to original documents including letters, diaries, photographs and memorabilia, the State Library’s Curator, Louise Denoon, will reveal the personal stories of those that served in WWI. These historically significant items are to be shown for the first time at this unique and fascinating event.
Thursday 10 September
11.00am - 12.00pm
Maitland Library
Free

http://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/library/

Lance Murray: his legacy will live on

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland Citizen of the Year, voice of the Aboriginal community and curator of Maitland history, Lance Murray, died last week aged 78.
Born Lancelot Kenneth Arthur Murray to an Aboriginal mother and white father near the township of Kyogle, Mr Murray’s family moved to Hexham when he was two years old.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 31, 2015.

Maitland Mercury to publish three days a week

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The Maitland Mercury will be published three days a week instead of five under proposed changes presented to staff yesterday.
Employees at the Mercury and other Hunter mastheads, including the Newcastle Herald, Cessnock Advertiser and Dungog Chronicle, were briefed on Fairfax Media plans to restructure the Newcastle and Hunter operations of its Australian Community Media (ACM) division.
Under the proposal the Mercury will move from publishing Monday to Friday to publishing three days a week and the Singleton Argus will move from publishing twice a week to a weekly edition.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 27, 2015.

Old movies are the reel deal with the Maitland Historical Society

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The charm of black and white movies will come alive at a film night presented by the Maitland and District Historical Society.
At Saturday’s old-style movie experience at St John’s Hall the audience will be treated to a full-length film from the 1930s called One Hour With You.
Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 27, 2015.

Work on Maitland Showground's historic grandstand begins

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Work has started on the restoration of the ailing Maitland Showground grandstand.
People attached to the government’s Work for the Dole scheme have been enlisted to remove planks and seats from the 100-year-old grandstand this week.
An engineer will assess what structural work needs to be done as part of the restoration after the seats and planks are removed.
Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association representatives will then get quotes from builders to complete the long-awaited restoration work.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, Aug. 25, 2015.