Exploring family & local history - Adelaide 2018

English family history research - researching a health history
pandemic influenza in Australia in 1918-19 with a South Australian focus
DNA - military - German - adoption & foster records
historical gems from the streets of Adelaide
getting the most out of your photos - genealogy software … and more

This two-day Exploring family & local history seminar is part of South Australia's History Festival 2018, a month-long program of over 600 events – tours, talks, walks, exhibitions, concerts – about all kinds of history.

When

• 18 May 2018 9:00am - 19 May 2018 4:45pm

Where

• City Mazda Stadium (West Adelaide Football Club) 57 Milner Road
• Richmond
• South Australia

Other Information

• Cost: $87 for both days, $57 for one day

Contact

• alan@unlockthepast.com.au
• 08 8263 2055
• Unlock the Past

New website for Maitland City Library

We’re giving you more seamless access to Maitland City Library’s services, programs and collections through our new website, launched at www.maitlandlibrary.com.au. 

 

Visit us online, borrow from our expanding collection of up-to-date- digital magazines, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics or stream from our amazing online music and film collections.

 

We’d love to hear your feedback and comments on the new website.  Please email us at library@maitland.nsw.gov.au

Seminar: Caring for Local Community Archives

MAITLAND & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

in conjunction with the

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

will hold a

SEMINAR ~ WORKSHOP -- CARING FOR LOCAL AND COMMUNITYARCHIVES

Presented by Senior R.A.H.S. Vice President

Christine Yeats

    BROUGH HOUSE

    Church Street, Maitland on Wednesday 28 February 2018

    10.30 am ~ 2.30 pm

    Cost: $20  Student/Pens: $15

    A light lunch is included  Bookings by 20 February 2018

    P: Val Rudkin 0417 461 602  E: rudkin@internode.on.net

More information at: http://www.maitlandhistorical.org/

Maitland council is calling for public input on a plan to introduce open museums

From the Maitland Mercury report:

Imagine a museum where you could drive around to look at the exhibits or walking through heritage buildings that are not usually open to the public.

These could come to fruition if Maitland City Council’s Open Museums, Open Minds, concepts gets off the ground.

But first, council needs your help.

The call has gone out for public input and feedback around options for museum experiences in Maitland.

Maitland Your Say , on council’s website, first unveiled the idea for open museums last year.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, February 11 2018.

Grossmann House will hold an open day on Sunday with a gentleman's theme

From the Maitland Mercury report:

Grossmann House will hold its annual open day this Sunday (10am to 3pm), taking on a manly theme.

 

For the first time in several years the textile display has been changed. A much admired,  magnificent burgundy court dress, has been painstakingly packed away and in its place is a gentleman’s theme.

Friends of Grossmann House member Holly McNamee said the change of costume is a huge task. “We’re dealing with very old, used clothing,” she said. The clothes taken down are packed away carefully in special storage boxes.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, February 6 2018.

Exhibition pays tribute to suffragettes - National Library of Australia

During her stay in England in 1913, Bessie Rischbieth found herself fascinated by the charisma of suffragettes and their militant actions. She was so inspired that she spent much of her life collecting memorabilia of the movement, building a collection of photographs, pamphlets, newspaper cuttings, suffrage periodicals, postcards and correspondence. These items are all testimony to the suffragettes’ strength and creativity in the long and arduous path to equal voting rights for women.

Highlights from this inspiring collection are the subject of a new Collection-in-Focus exhibition at the Library. Deeds Not Words opens on Tuesday 6 February.

Find out more in this blog post by curator Dr Béatrice Bijon.

Historic Maps of Newcastle and the Hunter Region

To access historic maps and plans of Newcastle and the Hunter Region, click on the following links.
Hunter Living Histories Mapping and Plans Category Posts
https://hunterlivinghistories.com/category/mapping-and-plans/
Digitised Maps and Plans on the UONCC Flickr site “Map Treasures”:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/albums/72157627003398259
Or search “map” or “plan” on our UONCC flickr site.
Or search “map” on our Living Histories @ UON Digital Platform
Or search “map” across all our archival listings and online content.

Demolition work begins on Church Street house in Maitland heritage zone

From the Maitland Mercury report:

It was the modest timber home that was at the centre of a stoush between heritage conservationists and Maitland council and a developer.

But this week demolition began on the historic property at 83 Church Street to make way for four new residential units. Council voted in August to approve the demolition as part of their plan to get more people living in central Maitland.
It came despite strong protest from heritage conservationist Chris Richards who felt the demolition would  "open the floodgates” for development of the city’s aged buildings.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, February 6 2018.

Plans are in place for the former Fr Riley's Opp Shop to be demolished - 250 High Street, Maitland

From the Maitland Mercury report:

It’s been sitting idle for 15 months and has been an eyesore and a haven for birds since fire ripped through it in November 2016.

The former Fr Riley’s Opp Shop on High Street’s eastern end is finally poised for demolition.
The premises, which once operated as car dealership Sharton Motors, has been left untouched since the fire.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, February 2 2018.

Long Bridge Poplars will be replaced with other trees at a new location

From the Maitland Mercury report:

The 22 historic Lombardy Poplar trees which lined The Long Bridge and formed part of Maitland’s streetscape since 1939, will be replaced by a new grove of trees at another location.

Maitland councillors supported the trees’ removal at a council meeting this week and agreed to plant more trees, not necessarily Poplars, at another prominent site in the city.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, February 2 2018.

Getting Your Genealogy Started, Restarted and Organised in 2018

Getting Restarted

Genealogy is a stop-start hobby that lasts years. So if you are one who is just re-starting or picking it up again, you might consider the “Do-over Book” which takes you step-by-step through reanalysing everything you have, while getting it all into an organized form.

Getting OrganisedThere’s no doubt that doing genealogy you need to be organised. The amount of paper, photos, documents, even emails, you will get relating to your research is huge. And there’s no point having information if you can’t find it, so you need to get organised. There are numerous books relating to organising. Apart from physical organisation of genealogy files, photo filing and heirloom documenting are both an important part of genealogy organisation. But don’t forget about your old slides, home movies and audio tapes – these are important and irreplaceable records. For some, writing is a way to get their research into order. No matter what aspect you’d like to focus on and learn how to improve … there’s a guide for it.More getting organised:

 

Genealogy and History News.

Iconic Poplar trees to be removed along The Long Bridge

From the Maitland Mercury report:

It’s not going to be a popular move however Maitland City Council has no choice but to remove the city’s 22 iconic Poplar trees that line The Long Bridge.

Significant rot and decay have been identified in the Lombardy Poplars which were planted in 1939 by local school children to mark Arbor Day in the city.

In a report to Tuesday night’s council meeting council’s infrastructure manager Ashley Kavanagh said the trees have been assessed by council’s arborist who said the trees require removal to ensure public safety.
Work is to be carried out immediately to meet safety requirements and the removal process will start in February.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 26 2018.

One of the country's oldest wineries, Dalwood Estate, relaunches at Branxton

From the Maitland Mercury report:

The “grandfather” of Hunter Valley vineyards roared back into life on Sunday, with the launch of the revamped Dalwood Estate at Branxton. 

After laying dormant since 2014, the site was snapped up by Iris Capital 13 months ago, with the hospitality industry player undertaking an extensive overhaul of the historic winery. 

Property owner, Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout, was full of praise for the rebirthed site. 

“It’s the grandfather of all the vineyards in the Hunter,” he said of the 190-year-old winery.  

“The entire property is steeped in history. For us, it was about bringing it back to life.”

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 21 2018.

Hunter Valley winery Dalwood Estate, formerly Wyndham Estate, reopens after closure in 2014

From the Maitland Mercury report:

One of Australia’s oldest wineries Dalwood Estate is set to reopen its doors for the first time in more than three years after a rigorous revival project.

The historic winery, formerly known as Wyndham Estate, will welcome guests this weekend 190 years after it was established at Branxton.

The estate sat virtually untouched since its closure in 2014 until last year when Iris Capital bought the property, adding a third winery to its Hunter portfolio alongside Hungerford Hill Wines and Sweetwater Wines.

After a major 12-month renewal program, the 260-acre property has a new lease on life and has been restored to its former glory.
With a return to its original 1828 establishment name, Dalwood Estate boasts a heritage winery building, manicured lawns and garden beds, a function centre, cellar door, restaurant, walking trails and public barbecue areas on the banks of the Hunter River.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 18 2018.
 

Photo Mystery - Cultural Collections, UON Library at the University of Newcastle

Here’s a mystery for our intrepid historian colleagues.
We would like to know something about the soldier in this photo.(see https://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/39735029291)  Unfortunately, time and other hazards have obscured his face, but we are hoping that someone out there on the Internet may be able to identify his regiment or other army group. We have uploaded a 1200 DPI scan of the full photo to our Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/uon/39735029291 and 4800 DPI scans showing detail of his shoulders and calves in the hope these may help in the identification.
If you can identify the uniform or unit, please contact archives@newcastle.edu.au

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival 2018

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Burlesque Idol Australia grand final to be held at Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival.

Feathers will fly at Weston Workers Club on Friday, March 23 when the grand final of Burlesque Idol Australia 2018 comes to town.

Now in its fifth year, the competition is coming to the Hunter Valley as part of the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival.

Created to help support emerging talent, Burlesque Idol is a high-energy and deliciously entertaining evening, jam-packed with talent, humour and audience participation.

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 16 2018.

Photos of Hunter Valley Steamfest from the archives

From the Maitland Mercury report:

Tickets to the 2018 Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest are set to go on sale at 12 noon on January 15.

Last year’s two day event attracted more than 50000 people, so steam enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tickets early for this year’s event, which will be held on 14 and 15 April. 

Locomotive 3642 has already been secured for the event and organisers expect to announce a second steam loco soon. 
For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.steamfest.com.au or call the information centre on 4931 2877.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 12 2018. 

‘Lady Bushranger’ project approved after secret $5 million community fund revealed

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Ridgelands Coal Resources has coughed up after it was called out.

IT’S the 11^th hour, the clock is ticking on a February deadline, but Ridgelands Coal Resources has signed off on $440,000 of community projects from a $5 million fund kept secret from the community for nearly five years.

Ridgelands has approved three Muswellbrook Shire Council projects, including $80,000 towards a Sandy Hollow village upgrade linked to one of Australia’s only female bushrangers, Elizabeth Jessie Hickman.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 12 2018.  

National Trust Australian Heritage Festival 2018

2018 focuses on what makes a place special, encouraging us all to embrace the future by sharing the strengths of our cultural identities.

The 2018 Australian Heritage Festival theme is My Culture, My Story celebrating the diversity of cultures that have shaped our shared heritage. The Festival is an opportunity to reflect on the places where we live, work, and travel, and why they are special, celebrating our many diverse and distinctive cultures. So we call on communities to treasure their local cultural heritage by telling their stories and celebrating their traditions, including storytelling, music, food, dance, traditional games, and crafts.

What are the cultures of your region, and how are they celebrated? What are the stories of your community? Do you know an untold story that should be shared? What is the role of new generations in celebrating and protecting our heritage?

Please join us and get involved for what will be an amazing celebration.
Further information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/

RAHS History House Open Day: Pot Luck History and Book Sale

Royal Australian Historical Society - call into History House between  and 4pm on Australia Day for a chance to visit our beautiful heritage building. While you are visiting, check out our Book Fair and listen to historians speaking about the events, people and places that contributed to Australia’s history. There will be interesting ten minute talks every half hour between 11.30am and 3pm. There is no need to book, just turn up!

Date: January 26

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm   

Cost: Free

 

Phone: (02) 9247 8001   

Email: history@rahs.org.au   

Website: www.rahs.org.au

2018 Hunter Valley Steamfest tickets on sale soon

From the Maitland Mercury report:

If you’re a steam train enthusiast, listen up. 

Tickets to the 2018 Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest are set to go on sale at 12 noon on January 15.

Last year’s two day event attracted more than 50000 people, so steam enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tickets early for this year’s event, which will be held on 14 and 15 April.
Locomotive 3642 has already been secured for the event and organisers expect to announce a second steam loco soon.  

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 11 2018.

Maitland Gaol doors to be thrown open for 20th anniversary of closure

From the Maitland Mercury report:

There’s few who know the history lurking behind Maitland Gaol’s walls better than Gordon Sauber.
It’s a history that the gaol co-ordinator is excited to share later this month, when the doors will be flung open to the public as part of celebrations commemorating 20 years since the facility was made non-operational.
The open day on Sunday, January 28 will see a packed schedule of kids activities take place throughout the facility, with three exhibitions also on show, with an entry cost of a gold coin donation.

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 10 2018.

New mural at Kurri Kurri commemorates Hydro Aluminium smelter

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Work is underway on Kurri Kurri’s 61^st mural, which will commemorate the town’s former aluminium smelter.

The mural on Hart Road, near the Loxford exit to the Hunter Expressway, is being painted by Caves Beach artist Daniel Joyce.

Hydro Aluminium sought community feedback for ways to commemorate the town’s smelting heritage in August 2015, after the smelter’s permanent closure the year before.

 

Full article available at Maitland Mercury, January 10 2018.