History Week 2009
Get ready to ride a model steam train, research your family tree or relive the fashions of the roaring twenties. The hidden history of our State will come to life from October 25 to November 1, when Victoria celebrates History Week 2009.
Ned Kelly’s armour at the ‘Changing Face of Victoria’ Exhibition, State Library of Victoria
© Andrew Lloyd
Victoria was forged by indigenous tribes, colonial settlers and post-war immigrants, and populated by all manner of colourful characters - politicians, bushrangers, gangsters, soldiers, goldminers and captains of industry. History Week is an opportunity to dig into the past and celebrate the unique tenacity of spirit that has made Victoria what it is today.
The annual festival, co-ordinated by the Royal History Society of Victoria (RHSV), offers a diverse program featuring fascinating walking tours and engaging discussions, exhibitions and 'history in the making' events.
In a first for fans of Victoria's legendary bushman, audiences can take part in a re-enactment of the Beechworth Committal and Supreme Court trials of Ned Kelly, to be held on the anniversary of day of his sentencing at the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Kids and parents are invited to After Dark at the State Library on October 30, to join Victoria's best children's authors for some supper followed by a ghostly tour. Big kids can have their own supernatural experience as well, with a guided visit of Melbourne General Cemetery on Halloween.
War historians should not miss the lecture at the Shrine of Remembrance, which commemorates its 75th Anniversary in 2009, while political history buffs should catch the exhibition on the charismatic John Batman at the City Museum.
Throughout the festival, the Chinese Museum will present a self-guided audio tour of Little Bourke Street in Melbourne's Chinatown, revisiting the hustle and bustle of the 1930s and 40s using portable MP3 players and a guidebook. At Birrarung Marr, representatives of the Kulin Nation will be hosting a unique walk that shows participants the importance of this part of their ancestral lands.
History Week 2009 can also be enjoyed at various sites across regional Victoria, including Geelong, Eldorado, Ballan, Lakes Entrance, Highton, Rye, Traralgon, Bairnsdale and Kyabram.
For a full program of events, visit the History Week website.
The tribute garden at Victoria’s Immigration Museum
© Rodney Start