Explore the history of where you live
This October, YPRL has guest speakers and walking tours to connect you with the history of where you live.
We are partnering with local history and community groups, local authors and more and are also recognising 50 years of the Victorian Heritage Register with reference to the Whittlesea district. We are among many libraries and local history groups participating in Victoria’s wider History Month, the initiative of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
We are also super excited for the Premiere of our Homeland, oral history project!
Bookings encouraged for all events.
HIGHLIGHT
Homeland: Stories of migration
Join us for the launch of our community oral history project, Homeland. Telling the stores of local migrants to Australia. We will be screening the premiere of the compilation video at this event
Diamond Valley Library
Sunday 13 October
2.00pm—4.00pm
GUEST SPEAKERS
Join members of the Whittlesea Historical Society who will discuss local places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Whittlesea Library, Tuesday 8 October, 2.00pm—3.00pm
Brian Smiddy grew up poor in the 1940s and 50s in Williamstown. He went onto become a Chapel brother, union organiser and member of the Labor Party. Hear from long-term Watsonia resident Brian Smiddy himself, and from Jean Ker Walsh who worked with Brian to create his memoir.
Watsonia Library, Tuesday 22 October, 11.00am—12.00pm
Bill McAuley: Diamond Treasures
Photojournalist Bill McAuley will discuss his book, Diamond Treasures; Nillumbik folk - Heart of the Diamond Valley, which features many local artists, musicians and personalities that make the Nillumbik Shire unique. Bill worked for The Valley Voice newspaper in Eltham from 1977 to 1979.
Eltham Library, Friday 25 October, 10.30am—11.30am
Deidre Hawkins, President of the Kinglake Historical Society will introduce the history of Kinglake and Kinglake West founded in the Gold Rush. She will discuss local places listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, celebrating its 50-year anniversary in 2024.
Mill Park Library, Monday 28 October 1.00pm—2.00pm,
Heidelberg Golf Club: The early days
Sue Ballantyne, Archivist from Heidelberg Golf Club will discuss the history of the Club from Eaglemont to Lower Plenty including the significant people and places associated with its locations, and the foundations of the Club in 1898.
Diamond Valley Library, Thursday October 31, 11am —12noon,
WALKS
Ivanhoe boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture, rooted in its development since the 1850s. Join us for a walk of part of the neighbourhood starting at the very heart – Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub. Bookings essential. Limited Places.
Monday 7 October, 10.00am—11.00am, Ivanhoe Library
Visit sites of historical interest and cultural significance, such as the first house built by the Peter Lalor Housing Cooperative.
Lalor Library, Saturday 19 October, 10.30am—12.00pm
Discover the neighbourhood by foot as we stroll along Edgars Creek to the historic precinct of Westgarthtown and return. Bookings essential. Limited places.
Thomastown Library, Tuesday 15 October 10.30am—12.30pm
Historical and Ghost Tour of Epping Cemetery
Meet at Epping Cemetery for an evening tour discovering tragic histories, ghostly tales and spirits. Bookings essential.
Thursday 31 October, 6.30pm—8.30pm
Other events include an Introduction to Trove, Watsonia Library, Friday 4 October 10.30am—11.30am.
Learn more
Our events add to our understanding and love of our region's history.
Local and Family History services at YPRL include access to four local history collections based at Diamond Valley, Eltham, Mill Park and Ivanhoe libraries.
Search our catalogue via Advanced Search for our Digital Archive.
We look forward to seeing you at some of our local history month events this October.