Bendigo Historical Society Inc.

Society News - First Half 2009

Forthcoming Meetings:

January: No Meeting
5 February - Terry Davidson: 'Basil Watson, Bendigo Aviator.'
5 March - Ruth Ford: 'Women of Bendigo'

Society Accommodation
As the Society is still facing the prospect of a limited time at the Bendigo gaol where it has its volunteer working space and collection storage, the Committee is in negotiations with the City of Greater Bendigo regarding the new Archives Storage Centre in Nolan Street and the former Police Barracks in Rosalind Park, to find a solution to the long running problem of accommodation for the Society.

Conservation Study
The Conservation Report has been received and its recommendations are being addressed. An exhibition featuring some of the items from the collection in need of restoration will take place in May 2009.

Activity at the Governor's Residence, Bendigo Gaol
There is on-going cataloging work every week at the gaol and the use of the Mosaic software has been increased by the addition of multiple-licence capability. A large scanner has been added to assist with the cataloging of photographs. Thanks to Bendigo Senior Secondary College, the Society now has an internet connection and this should greatly assist our research work.

Members and volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia are working on various items in the Society's Collection, including the Elliott Post Card, the Basil Miller, the Lydia Chancellor, the McColl Rankin, Stanistreet and Map Collection.

Pat Lyon Collection
The Society has received the donation of the Pat Lyon Collection. The late Pat Lyon was dedicated to theatre in Bendigo and her costume collection and extensive archive is unique to the city. An exhibition dedicated to Pat Lyon is being planned.

Masonic Hall, opened 1874
The hall underwent alterations in 1890 to house the Masonic Theatre. Later service as the New Britannia picture theatre and home of the Bendigo Operatic Society. Recently re- furbished and, as the Capital Theatre, it is now the centrepiece of Bendigo’s Performing Arts Centre.