Is your collection killing you?

Is your collection killing you?
Which items in your collection are toxic, dangerous and even potentially fatal?

After years of working in museums and collections, in Australia and overseas, Victoria and Andrew Pearce have identified a wide range of items, which are toxic, dangerous and even potentially fatal.
Qualified conservators, will cover off the identification and handling risks of items pre-existing in collection stores or presented by donors.

This workshop is designed to provide specialist knowledge of the material science of collections (what things are made from) and how to identify risk. The workshop covers many commonplace items like toxic paints, plastics and heavy metals, and is designed for staff and volunteers in small museums and mixed collections. This is an advanced course for managers, intake officers and staff who need to handle collection items, particularly if your institution does not have a conservation lab on site.

Location: National Film and Sound Archive conference room
Date: 11th and 12th July
Time: 9-5
Participant cost is $630+ GST per person and includes digital reference reading brick.
To book: There are limited places so call Endangered Heritage Pty LTD (02) 62828386 

Writing the Family Saga

As part of a suite of Family History units that The University of Tasmania offers, for the first time in 2016 the university is running a unit entitled Writing the Family Saga, commencing on 27 June and continuing until the 6th August.

The unit is fully online and HECS Scholarships are available that cover half of the tuition fees for the unit, meaning that the cost of the unit is $391 in addition to the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) a cost of $43.50 per unit. Writing the Family Saga provides the opportunity to develop skills in writing fiction and/or non-fiction, based on genealogical records.

Applications are open online here: http://www.utas.edu.au/arts/writing-the-family-saga
If you have any questions, please get in touch by emailing ASC.Contact@utas.edu.au or calling (03) 6226

The Worst Woman in Sydney: The Life and Crimes of Kate Leigh

On the 7 July, author and historian Leigh Straw will presenting a talk on her new true-crime biography The Worst Woman in Sydney: The Life and Crimes of Kate Leigh at the Jam Gallery, Bondi Junction.

The legend of Kate Leigh, Sydney’s famed brothel madam, sly grog seller and drug dealer, has loomed large in TV’s Underbelly and every other account of Sydney’s criminal history from the 1920s to the 1960s. But she has never had a biography of her own.
Despite having more than 100 criminal convictions to her name, Kate Leigh is also remembered as a local hero, giving money to needy families and supporting her local community through the hard times of Depression and war. Here, novelist and historian Leigh Straw teases out the full story of how this wayward Reformatory girl from Dubbo made a fortune in eastern Sydney and defied the gender stereotyping of the time to become a leading underworld figure.
WHEN: Thursday, 7 July 2016 from 6.30 PM to 8.00PM
WHERE: Jam Gallery, 195 Oxford St, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
RSVP: www.leighstraw.eventbrite.com.au (spaces limited)

Historic Maitland Gaol was closed to the public this week for filming

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Toni Collette spotted on set at Maitland Gaol -
Historic Maitland Gaol was closed to the public this week for filming.
The staff were very tight-lipped about the mysterious project, simply saying it was for a television program. Within days of the closure international star and Australian actress Toni Collette was spotted on set at Maitland Gaol.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 24, 2016.

Catholic Diocese celebrates 150 years in Maitland

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and the Maitland Regional Museum have officially opened an exhibit that celebrates the history of Catholicism in the region.

The “pop -up museum”, which will occupy St John’s Hall on Cathedral Street until July 10, marks 150 years since Maitland’s first bishop – James Murray – was appointed.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 21, 2016.

D. Sim & Sons honour board to be displayed at Morpeth Museum, Maitland RSL Sub Branch

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A piece of history linking some of the region’s young men to World War I has been uncovered after almost half a century and will now be preserved indefinitely.
An honour board of the employees of D. Sim & Sons was discovered in descendant Ian Sim’s shed in Lorn during a clean out. The board, which was lathered in dust, holds the names of 12 men who worked for the business and lost their lives during the war, including two Sim family members R. Sim and D.R Sim. 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 14, 2016.

Hunter residents share their stories from Greta Migrant Camp

From the Maitland Mercury report:
We asked Hunter residents to share their family stories of Greta Migrant Camp. The personal accounts we received were ones of sadness, love, fear and triumph.
Here is a small glimpse at the Hunter’s story:.......

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 14, 2016.

Royal Australian Historical Society event - RAHS/WEA Lecture

History with a Difference: Researching and Writing Thematic History with a Local Focus

Taking a thematic approach, Paul Convy will discuss the history of Lebanese immigration to Australia and the contributions made by the Lebanese, in common with all immigrants to New South Wales, to our local and national cultural landscape. Using the major themes of Lebanese settlement in NSW from the 1880s: migration; commerce and labour; rural and urban settlement; religion; leisure and social institutions; and civic affairs, Paul will then discuss the project to research and write Lebanese Settlement in New South Wales: A Thematic History.

Date and Time: Wednesday 29th June 11am – 1pm
Venue: History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: RAHS/WEA Members $32/Non-Members $35
Online Bookings: https://www.weasydney.com.au/class/RWTHLF-1
Alternatively call WEA on (02) 9264 2781
http://www.rahs.org.au/coming-june-history-house/

Major Carl Christie of Ashtonfield honoured for service to military history

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Military service is in Carl Christie’s blood.

The 78-year-old from Ashtonfield, who spent most of his working life serving his country, has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal for service to military history preservation and to the community.

While he officially retired 20 years ago, the former Major is still working, this time in a voluntary capacity for his beloved Fort Scratchley.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 13, 2016.

“Doug” Pyle recognised for service to Maitland Community with Order of Australia Medal

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Mr Pyle has been a member of Maitland Repertory Theatre for almost 70 years and has held various positions including president, treasurer, actor, director, stage construction and management.
A foundation member of the Australian Clothing and Textiles Museum, Mr Pyle was also a period costume model for more than 50 years.
He has 70 years experience as a water divining demonstrator at Tocal open days and volunteers at the Homestead Visitors Centre.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 13, 2016.

Greta Migrant Camp - untold stories about the people who lived there

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Alek Schulha's book on Greta Migrant Camp tells the untold stories about the people who lived there.

The triumphs and tragedies, the racism and persecution, the everyday life in Greta Migrant Camp will be documented in a book set to be released later this year.
Former Fairfax journalist Alek Schulha has almost completed three years of interviews set to be printed in a powerful publication lifting the lid on what really went on in the camp.
This month marks the 67th anniversary of the opening of the camp. It closed in 1960 after more than 100,000 refugees passed through it escaping war torn Europe after World War II.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 9, 2016.

Call for nominations – Heritage Council of NSW

Call for nominations for:

• State Heritage Register Committee
• Approvals Committee
• Heritage Committee
• Technical Conservation Committee
• Grants Committee

Applications are invited for appointment of members to the above Committees. The Committees advise the Heritage Council of NSW on matters relating to the effective management and promotion of NSW’s heritage.
Click here for an Information Pack: http://tinyurl.com/gowoast
Closing date for nominations is 11:59pm 20th July 2016

State Library of NSW - Max Dupain Exhibition Negative Archive

Max Dupain (1911–1992) is perhaps Australia’s best-known and most influential 20th century photographer.
The Library recently acquired the Max Dupain Exhibition Negative Archive with more than 25,000 negatives that were not part of his commercial business. Max Dupain and Associates was well-known for its architectural and commercial photography.
The archive, which concentrates on the 1930s, 40s and 50s when Dupain was at the height of his creative powers, includes many of his most iconic works including The Sunbaker, Jean with Wire Mesh and The Meat Queue. The Library is pleased to be the custodian of this enormous archive representing the full range of Max Dupain’s creative expression and is in the process of making this large collection accessible.

Plaques documenting Les Darcy fights not stolen from East Maitland statue

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland City Council announced on Wednesday that the missing plaques weren’t the result of vandalism, as feared by Les Darcy Committee members, but were removed by them earlier this week to allow maintenance on the iconic statue.
Engineers removed the plaques after noticing the base of the statue was separating.
Council projects and building services manager Graeme Matthews said that, ironically, the plaques were removed to prevent their theft.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 7, 2016.

War exhibition Courage to Care officially opens at Maitland Regional Art Gallery

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Courage to Care is a travelling exhibition and educational outreach program, featuring Holocaust survivors as living historians recounting their rescue stories.
The exhibition highlights historical acts of courage in order to create an understanding of how everyone has the ability to stand up to racism and discrimination.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 5, 2016.

Catholic Maitland-Newcastle Diocese 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first resident bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Murray

An exhibition celebrating the 150^th anniversary of the arrival of the first resident bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Murray
Jointly presented by  Maitland Regional Museum and the Maitland-Newcastle DioceseSt John’s Hall (the old Pro-Cathedral) in Cathedral Street, Maitland
Between Monday 20^th June and Sunday 10^th July 2016
The exhibition celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the arrival of the first resident bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Murray and presents the stories of people, families, groups and institutions within the Church or as part of the Church’s relationship with wider society, with particular emphasis on our region.Official opening 10.30 am Tuesday 21^st June-ALL WELCOME
Open daily 10.00 am – 3.00 pm during this period

Further details & Bookings: Janece 02 49334450 or janece.mcdonald@newcastle.edu.au  Or Michael.belcher@bigpond.com

Maitland Historical Society Lecture Meeting

The next Maitland Historical Society Lecture Meeting is on Tuesday 7 June and will be delivered by Heather Berry on “The Cobbs of Anambah”.

 

The meeting will commence at 5:30 pm in the Society’s Rooms at 3 Cathedral Street, Maitland – gold coin admission with tea/coffee available.

 

A future for the past: a symposium to mark the bicentenary of the Rum Hospital

Completed in 1816, the Rum Hospital was built to manage the health of the convict workforce, and it remains an important hallmark of Sydney’s character, architecture and government. The project was part of Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s vision for an exemplary imperial administration.

On the 200th anniversary of the hospital, Sydney Living Museums invites you to join us at The Mint at 10 Macquarie Street for a symposium that explores the building’s history, heritage, architecture and politics. The daylong event at what was once the south wing of the hospital will explore three key phases of this significant site: 1816 and the health and architecture of the early colony; 1855 and the creation of the Sydney Mint, Sydney Hospital and NSW Parliament; 1976 and the rejuvenation of the south wing, the changing face of heritage activism and adaptive reuse.

Date: Saturday 30 July 2016

More information : Rum Hospital Symposium

St James Anglican Church at Morpeth nominated for State Heritage Register

From the Maitland Mercury report:
St James Anglican Church at Morpeth is being considered to be listed on the State Heritage Register.

The Hunter Valley’s first Anglican church north of Newcastle is currently being reviewed by the Heritage Council of NSW.
St James Anglican Father Chris Orczy said when the parish realised the 175-year-old church wasn’t listed on the heritage register they were quite shocked.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 3, 2016.

Morpeth's historic River Royal Inn is about to be reborn

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The new look River Royal Inn will be restored to its former glory with a twist. It will tell the story of Morpeth’s history through items of historical significance scattered around the 160-year-old property. Mr McNamara has been working with Morpeth Museum to document the town’s past as part of the rebuilding project.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, June 1, 2016.

30th anniversary of Hunter Valley Steamfest in Maitland hailed as a global success

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Organisers, volunteers and sponsors of the 30th anniversary of Hunter Valley Steamfest were applauded this week for contributing to the event which is being hailed as a global success.
A Maitland council meeting this week heard how the event’s Facebook page received hundreds of thousands of likes and video views, not just from Australian followers but from train enthusiasts around the world.
The Steamfest coverage had more than 68,000 pageviews on The Mercury website and on Facebook It reached another 14000 people.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, May 26, 2016.

Royal Australian Historical Society/OHNSW: An Introduction to Oral History – key principles that everyone should know

RAHS/OHNSW: An Introduction to Oral History

This talk introduces historians of all kinds to the possibilities and pitfalls of ‘making memories’ or doing oral history interviews with people about their experiences of the past. It asks why they matter as an historical source and how they stand in relation to the traditional written newspapers and archives. Come along and hear Oral History NSW President Professor Paula Hamilton discuss the value of oral history and share examples from her own oral history practice. Paula will discuss its value in particular circumstances and whether it is suitable for local and family historians to add to their existing expertise with this historical method. Paula will also share examples from her own work on local places in suburbs of Sydney.

August 18 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm   
History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney 

University of Tasmania genealogy courses

Writing the Family Saga
Adventure or romance, tragedy or triumph, legends of extraordinary feats or quiet tales of everyday struggles. What kinds of stories are there in your family tree? Writing the Family Saga provides you with an opportunity to develop key skills for writing fiction and/or non-fiction based on genealogical records. You will learn about crafting and polishing engaging and readable multigenerational family history narratives.

Place, Image, Object
Homes, heirlooms, albums and art; find stories in your family treasure.
The material world surrounds us. The objects and images we have collected, and places our families have inhabited, help us in researching our family history and memories. Homes, human-shaped environments like gardens, and inherited items (some valuable, others mundane) can carry stories down through generations. Places, images, and objects are imbued with the potential to provide immediate ways of relating to your family's past, and sharing it with others.

Explore Maitland Goal after dark

From the Maitland Mercury report:
For a limited time only Maitland Gaol will be unlocking the gates at night and letting visitors explore a darker side of life behind bars on their own.
This special experience will be available on Friday May 27, June 24 and July 22 from 6.30pm until 9.30pm, last entry at 8.00pm.
There are three different self guided audio tours to choose from, each providing a different perspective of life behind the bars.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, May 25, 2016.

Maitland and District Historical Society holds open day

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Maitland and District Historical Society is having an open day this Saturday.
From 9am to 3pm, the public is welcome to peruse the numerous items that the society has collected over the years.
There will be old photos, model houses, and other memorabilia relating to the town of Maitland.
Maitland and District Historical Society president Keith Cockburn said the day is about people seeing where they are and what they do.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, May 24, 2016.

May 24 marks the anniversary of boxing legend Les Darcy's death

From the Maitland Mercury report:
An exhibition to mark 100 years since the passing of Maitland boxing legend Les Darcy is being planned for Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
Maitland City Council announced this week on the 99th anniversary of Darcy’s death, that it will hold a special exhibition of memorabilia, letters, and personal objects that tell the story of the man known as “The Maitland Wonder,.”
The exhibition will be held in May next year.
Darcy was born on October 31, 1895 and died on May 24, 1917 from medical complications, believed to be from dental work he received to replace teeth knocked out during a bout.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, May 24, 2016.