Friday, February 17, 2017

Look Who's Talking Local History : Higher Ground - 1955 floods

Higher Ground
Faced with the challenge of restarting life again after the series of floods which culminated in the tragic events of February 1955, many local families saw the higher ground and open spaces west of the city as an opportunity to start afresh.
This began a process which completely changed the character of development in the Maitland area. Seen against the wider changes brought about by the growth of suburbs in the nation's cities, Higher Ground tells the story of how communities change and grow in unexpected ways.
Thursday 23 February
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Maitland Gaol Chapel
Free

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Flashback Friday: Royals in the Hunter

From the Maitland Mercury report:
This month more than 60 years ago Queen Elizabeth II visited the Hunter.
And the royal family are certainly no strangers to the Hunter, as this pictorial dig through the archive proves.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 17 Feb 2017.

Maitland and Hunter history at Brough House in 2017

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Brough House, the hub of Hunter history, has released its schedule of exhibitions for 2017 and everything from warfare to fashion is on the cards.

This year the Maitland Regional Museum is partnering with the Clothing Museum and Friends of Grossmann House to turn the historic home on Church Street into a centre for culture.

The year kicked off with Future’s Fashion, which exhibits the major textile works of local students. It reveals the next generation of textile designers until March 19.
If the walls of Brough House could talk their stories would speak straight to the heart of Maitland. And from April 8 to 23 Brough Voices will do just that when it shares the stories of the people who have lived and worked in the property from 1870 until the present day.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 6 Feb 2017.

For Country, for Nation : Australian War Memorial

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a longstanding tradition of fighting for Country, and continue to serve with honour among our military forces. The new exhibition For Country, for Nation presents a diverse range of art, objects, photographs, and stories from across Australia to explore.
Thematic in structure, the exhibition presents stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences during wartime.
Weekly highlights tours will be held every Tuesday from 11.30 am. See our Events calendar for more information. The exhibition closes on 20 September 2017.

Coal River Precinct National Nomination

A revised ‘Coal River Precinct’ National Nomination was submitted today by the UON’s Hunter Living Histories Initiative after the Minister for the Environment and Energy called for nominations for the assessment period 2017-18. Nominations have been submitted to have ‘Coal River’ nationally recognised since 2007.

The nomination contains substantial historical evidence required to prove that the Coal River Precinct possesses the outstanding natural, Indigenous and historic heritage values for the nation, and that will qualify it for protection by federal law under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.   We greatly appreciate the opportunity to have our city’s historic precinct formally recognised nationally.
Further information

Plans for Steamfest 2017 in full swing

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Preparations for Maitland's annual celebration of steam are on the boil.
The Burton Automotive Group Hunter Valley Steamfest is locked in for April 8 and 9 and organisers are hoping to match last year's 30th anniversary crowd of 80,000 over the two days.
Steamfest stalwart Peter Garnham said plans are in full swing, accommodation is filling quickly and moves are afoot to bring two, possibly three steam trains into town for the event.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 13 Feb 2017.

High tea at historic Mansfield House

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Historic Mansfield House, built in 1887 in classical Victorian style is now dazzling again after a painstaking four-year renovation. It was once the grandest CBC Bank of them all, Sydney included, but since December 16 has been home to a new venture, The Palm Court Tea Salon.
Stepping off the street through the old bank building double doors you’re stepping into another world, into our town’s history. And High Street is richer for it.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 7 Feb 2017.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Jude Conway and Historical Society talk Molly Morgan

From the Maitland Mercury report:
A historian will visit Maitland Historical Society on Tuesday to recount the life of the town’s legendary founder, Molly Morgan. And it’s a saga so wild and inspiring you’d never believe it if it weren’t all true.
England, 1789 – locked in a tavern, the infamous, fearless and compassionate woman who would go on to help forge the modern Hunter Valley was staring death in the face.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury,

Australia Day 2017 Honours - Congratulations to RAHS President Associate Professor Carol Liston

Royal Australian Historical Society Councillors and Staff would like to take this opportunity to warmly congratulate RAHS President, Associate Professor Carol Liston, on the award Officer (AO) in General Division of the Order Of Australia, for distinguished service to the preservation and documentation of Australian history and heritage, to professional societies, and to education as a teacher and mentor.
Further information: http://www.rahs.org.au/

Waratah Gas Works – Historical Timeline

University of Newcastle:
To assist the Waratah residents we have compiled a historical timeline of news reports from TROVE, that detail the evolution of the creation of the Waratah Gas Works that officially opened in 1st August 1889 to the time they were sold to the City of Newcastle Gas and Coke Company Limited  on 30 April 1922. Links to the articles are all provided, with transcriptions provided to some.
1887-01-20 “THE GAS QUESTION.” Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954) 20 January 1887: 6. Web. 3 Feb 2017.   Waratah Council in October 1885 asked Newcastle Gas Company for a quote. Too high, so Council is now considering establishing gas works for themselves.

Full article available at Hunter Living Histories 6 February 2016.

Flashback Friday: The Hunter in 1972

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Thanks to the Fairfax archives take a look at just a snapshot of life in the Hunter in 1972.

Full gallery at Maitland Mercury, 3 Feb 2017.

New children's room opens at Morpeth Museum

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Morpeth Museum has unveiled a special themed room that’s set to enthrall both the young and young at heart.
The new room is filled with stories, toys and a model train set which is on loan from the Museum of Australian Childhood.
“Also displayed are objects from the time when the building was used as a baby health centre,” said Morpeth Museum Chairperson Alan Todd.
“We have displays from both the museum and The National Trust Museum of Australian Childhood collections such as Ginger Meggs, rocking horses and cuddly toys,” Mr Todd said.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 1 Feb 2017.

Clash of the Collectables at Morpeth Antique Centre

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Eric Knowles and Alan Carter are antique royalty.
So when they stepped into Morpeth Antique Centre last week there was a buzz in the air, and the smell of a challenge.
The two iconic antique experts are on an 18-day great Australia road trip between Sydney and Toowoomba to film their TV series Clash of the Collectables, which will air in April.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury,