Tales of courage from our nurses

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Between 1914 and 1918, about 10,000 Hunter men enlisted to fight for their country.
By their side, were the nurses who wrapped their bloody limbs, mopped their sweat-covered brows and soothed their final days.

Historian Christine Bramble has spent the past two years writing Sister of the Valley - First World War Nurses from Newcastle and the Hunter Region, a book dedicated to those brave women who cared for the wounded and sick between 1914 and 1918.

Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 01 Apr, 2011.

Signposts show flood flows past and present

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The first of four interpretative signs explaining the limits of the flood mitigation scheme in Maitland was installed on Thursday. The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) realised an important project in its flood education program with the installation of the signs, which came in response to misconceptions the scheme would save the city from a major disaster.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 01 Apr, 2011.

If you’ve got the time, the Rail Society has got the project

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A century-old carriage that once transported the people of the Hunter across the valley is about to be restored to its former glory.
The Rail Motor Society at Paterson is about to embark on a 26-week project to preserve the historical sleeper carriage before it is too late. But the society needs help.

Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 01 Apr, 2011.

Visit Glenalvon Museum and Rediscover Campbelltown's History

Classic Georgian Glenalvon is open the  Glenalvon has been described as “An exceptional two-storied sandstone home of colonial Georgian design” (National Trust). Glenalvon was built by Michael Byrne, son of Wicklow rebel/patriot Hugh “Vesty” Byrne circa 1841 and consists of the two storey main house, the earlier Servants Quarters, and a Victorian Coach House and Stables.
Further information including personal stories from Campbelltown: www.cahs.com.au/welcome-to-our-website.html
Open: 1st Tuesday, 2nd Saturday and 3rd Wednesday of every month, February to mid December, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and by appointment.

New Ways with Oral History - Two Day Workshop and Seminar

New Ways With Oral History will provide an opportunity to explore the development of oral history programs and incorporating these into museum and gallery programming. With presentations and hands-on workshops. Presenters include Associate Professor Janis Wilton OAM.
This event is a partnership between the Oral History Association of Australia NSW, the Institute for Professional Practice in Heritage and the Arts at the Australian National University and Museums & Galleries NSW.

When and Where: Friday 13 May at History House, Macquarie Street and Saturday 14 May at the State Library of NSW
Register: http://mgnsw.org.au/sector_development/new_ways_with_oral_history/

Further information: Suzanne Bravery, General Manager Programs & Services, Programs and Services, Museums and Galleries NSW, ph: 9358.1760 email: suzanneb@mgnsw.org.au

Capture characters a plan for workshop

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Producer of ABC Open Hunter, Anthony Scully, will present his Portrait of a Stranger workshop at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery next month to tell the stories of those living in the Maitland community. Portrait of a Stranger teaches people with digital cameras how to approach a stranger, take their photograph and write a short story about their subject.

Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 30 Mar, 2011.

A rare chance to see the latest fashion, circa 1880

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Visitors can step into the wardrobes of Grossmann House and time travel through dresses and costumes to the 19th century at an open day next month.
From the hangers of Grossmann House’s state-significant textile collection hang a treasure of Victorian costumes from the mid-19th century to the 1880s, and the swish of the fabric whisper the stories of the people who wore them.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 31 Mar, 2011.