These Walls Speak Volumes with authors Ken James and Pam Baragwanath
Explore the significance of mechanics institutes to the heritage of Victoria, inside the Newport Mechanics' Hall. These Walls Speak Volumes : A History of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria is an index of these institutions and their histories, including Newport, Williamstown and Spotswood.
Before free library services, community centres, and TAFE, ‘Mechanics’ Institutes’ were leading the way to a more egalitarian Australia. Born of a radical Scottish movement to educate workers and their families, Mechanics’ Institutes took a particular hold in Australia, and especially Victoria. Of over 3,000 Australian institutes, around 1,000 were established in in the state of Victoria from 1839, including Hobsons Bay’s own at Newport, Spotswood, and Williamstown. These Walls Speak Volumes: A History of Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria is an index of these institutions and their histories.
Enjoy the expertise of authors Ken James and Pam Baragwanath from within the Newport Mechanics’ Hall, and the legacy of free education in our community.
Image: W. H. H., engraver. Wood engraving, THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE, WILLIAMSTOWN, March 28, 1870. From the State Library of Victoria. This work is out of copyright. No copyright restrictions apply.