Maitland, from Old Molly Morgan's days ...

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A book uncovering central Maitland’s first community of European descent is close to publication. The book provides an expose on the lives of a small but diverse society made up of convict settlers, placed by Governor Macquarie on farms along the banks of the Hunter River between Morpeth and close to Elgin Street. The book looks at how these people – known as the Wallis Plains Settlers – and their families once lived, how their histories were originally embedded in crime and the opportunities they took to reform their lives.

Full article by Emma Swain available at Maitland Mercury, 05 May, 2012

Tomago House - Victoriana Concert

Tomago House - a National Trust property
Opera Hunter are presenting a concert at Tomago House, 4.00pm. Light refreshments at intermission. Tickets $25.00, bookings essential,
ph. Fay 49301471 or Robyn 49574509 

People's mall : Maitland

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Development in central Maitland will attract less red tape under Maitland City Council’s plan to foster the refurbishment of Maitland Heritage Mall and High Street.
Corporate planning and engagement executive manager Leah Flint said the council would change its Local Environment Plan to accommodate more development in the precinct and make central Maitland the heart of the city.
Ms Flint said people were keen to see the street’s heritage mixed with a modern look in the precinct such as has been achieved at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

Full article by Belinda-Jane Davis available at Maitland Mercury, 24 Apr, 2012.

National Trust Maitland Walk

Wayne Campbell continues his series of walks around historic parts of Maitland on May 20. This time the focus is on the area around Campbell's Hill. Hear the interesting story of Monte Pio and wander back through time to the days of Maitland's rural past when the sale yards were near the centre of town.
Walk commences at 2pm; supper at Brough House afterwards. Contact Grossman House on 49336452 for bookings.

Historic Houses Trust Exhibition

The Force: 150 years of NSW Police. The NSW Police Force was formed on 1 March 1862. It is the oldest and largest police force in Australia with operations on land, on sea and from the air. From wooden rattles and phrenology to taser guns and forensics, policing in New South Wales has continued to expand and develop according to the needs, attitudes and technology of the day. This exhibition celebrates 150 years of policing through a rich collection of photographs, objects and film footage. It charts the formation of specialist units, the science of crime investigation, the role of women in the force, changes in police duties and equipment, and also pays tribute to the thousands of officers who have served their community.

Discover the stories behind Australia’s oldest police force through a rich collection of photographs, objects and film. See how policing has developed from phrenology to forensic services. Justice and Police Museum | Opens Saturday 12 May | Daily 9.30am-5pm |

Coalfields Heritage Group

Tumblebee, the bi-monthly journal of the Coalfields Heritage Group - April 2012 edition includes:

• 1898 sixty years ago
• 1862 Branxton Railway 150th year
• 1844 Diabolical Maitland Murder
• 1888 Aldine biographioes, part 4
• 1888 site for Maitland Town Hall
• William Munnings Arnold - a life unfulfilled

State Records Sydney Reading Room

Material moving from Sydney reading room - The Rocks               

With the forthcoming closure of the Sydney Reading Room on 30 June 2012 the microform material and facsimile copies of selected records have started to be transferred to other locations. Please ring 9673 1788 and check if the material you want is still at The Rocks.

 

Effective from 30 June 2012 State Records will close its city reading room at 2 Globe Street.