Take a tour Behind the Scenes of the Restoration of a 1903 Australian built wooden 3 masted tall ship. Learn about her 120 year history and the new role Alma will play in providing Youth Sail Training once complete.

See where gunpowder was made, hear how firearms changed the world, learn the history of gunpowder and the the importance of fireworks in Asian cultures.

Experience Melbourne in the 1850s via a unique Portable Iron House. See first hand what it was like living in Melbourne during the 1850s gold rush period. Emerald Hill was a canvas town but an entrepreneur, Robert Patterson, established a collection of Portable Iron Houses - one of which still stands on its original site.

Take a walk with us into the history of Flemington. Led by library staff, join us as we explore Flemington -- big and small. Admire local buildings, learn about past residents, and hear quirky local anecdotes.

After travelling 1.5 million miles across the globe, the Polly Woodside now welcomes you aboard! Built in Belfast in 1885, the three-masted cargo vessel carried coal and wheat between England and South America. You can join the crew, come aboard for a tour of the ship and discover what life was like on a tall ship sailing the seven seas.

Polly Woodside is a tangible reminder of Australia’s rich maritime history.

Learn how the former Ascot Vale branch of the English Scottish and Australian Bank has been recently restored, with a heritage architect on hand to answer questions. Join the optional tour after the presentation to explore this intriguing building.

Join expert tour guides from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria on a guided walk through beautiful Flagstaff Gardens - the historical hears of the City.
Visitors will climb Flagstaff Hill to consider its early role as a burial ground, flagstaff signalling station and weather station.

If you want to know more about the wonderful history of the Moonee Ponds Junction and surrounds, join an experienced and passionate local historian who will guide you through the history of our heritage buildings and talk about changes that have taken place.

Join Theatre Heritage Australia and Melbourne writer-researcher Simon Plant for ‘Mr Coppin’s Tour of Civil War America’ and a rare opportunity to see behind the front door of the Melbourne Savage Club, one of Australia's oldest private members’ clubs.

Discover the stories of Port Phillip with our free, all ages Guided Walks program.
Our walks will give you fascinating insights into the places, events, lives and legends that built this City.

Our fabulous vintage clothing boutique in Melbourne’s iconic Block Arcade.

Embark on a captivating walking journey through Melbourne's rich Jewish history with the Jewish Museum of Australia's Historical Walk, led by popular and expert guide, Terry Ashton.

The Melbourne Athenaeum Library is almost as old as Melbourne itself. Archivist, Fiona Moore, will present a lively and interactive discussion about the role the Ath has played in the cultural life of Melbourne since 1839.

Walk in the footsteps of past female prisoners and discover what life was like for women incarcerated in Old Melbourne Gaol.

Join us for a captivating talk that uncovers the narratives of Australian Defence Force personnel and their families from culturally diverse backgrounds, as well as the poignant tales of immigrant Victorians who found a new home in Australia after being displaced by conflict.

Visit Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne’s oldest and most feared prison since 1845. Now operated by the National Trust discover where some of Australia’s most infamous characters, including bushranger Ned Kelly and gangster Squizzy Taylor, spent time behind bars.

Learn about the La Trobe Family's life in early Melbourne, in their simple yet elegant prefabricated cottage surrounded by a delightful garden.

This is an interactive 90 minute walk through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne with an Aboriginal guide.

Learn about the fascinating history behind the Shrine of Remembrance followed by a guided Explorer Bus ride through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne ending with morning tea.

This is a free 50 minute audio tour at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne where visitors can learn about first Royal Botanic Gardens Director, Ferdinand von Mueller.

Start from Oak Lawn Gate (formerly Gate F) any time during Gardens opening hours and use your smartphone and headphones to listen in.

Discover Melbourne’s rich heritage in the grand State Rooms of Government House

Join local historian Jeff Atkinson for a walk through some of south Carlton’s most picturesque and historic streets, and enjoy some of its grandest buildings.

We’re surrounded by objects, but have you thought about how important these things are in your life? Do you have a few favourite things you absolutely can’t live without? What about others in your family? Are they important for what they do, or what they represent?

Go behind the scenes at one of Melbourne's finest buildings!

The Old Treasury Building, built during the gold rush, showcases a selection of exhibitions relating to Melbourne's past, but on this exclusive tour you will venture past the public spaces to discover the deep history of the building.

“Silently and inconspicuously” shorthand writers and shorthand educators have contributed to the legacy which has shaped the City of Melbourne. Melbourne’s central grid is brimming with shorthand history and stories, all of which contribute to the endowment shorthand has left to our society. Join this guided walk around Melbourne, and discover how these scenarios and opportunities

A short talk will be offered by the Heritage Collections Co-ordinator about the history of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and its historical collections.

Exhibition of equipment, and artefacts relating to Victoria's Fire Service History.

Port Phillip Guided Walks Program:
Discover the stories of Port Phillip (St Kilda, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne) with our free, all ages Guided Walks program. Our walks will give you fascinating insights into the places, events, lives and legends that built this City.

Open the door to Robin Boyd’s iconic Walsh Street residence after-hours for Autumn Sunset Cocktails.

Learn to sketch with watercolour pencils and be inspired by antiques and beautiful objects. Your class will be held in Fairhall, the 1860s home of The Johnston Collection, a museum of fine and decorative arts in East Melbourne. All materials are provided and absolute beginners are welcome.

House museums often contain collection objects with dark pasts. Drawing on examples from The Johnston Collection, this lecture considers some of the ethical questions addressed by museum and gallery professionals today. What are appropriate narratives for historical collections in 2024?

To celebrate the much-anticipated Australian Royal Tour by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the accession of King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark the interiors of historic East Melbourne townhouse, Fairhall, have been theatrically reimagined by guest curator Vincent Jenden.

Meet at the PMI Victorian History Library then step into a charming adventure. Discover the tales of yesteryear's department stores on Chapel Street, Prahran. An all-inclusive experience, perfect for everyone – families, individuals, and even your beloved pets!

Join GLAAS Inc at the world premiere of 'Let the Light Shine', a 30-minute documentary that sheds new light on war by exploring the social, cultural and military history embedded in glass, especially some spectacular (rarely seen and often forgotten) stained-glass windows throughout Australia.

Who was the great chocolate master 'MacPherson Robertson'? He was perhaps the greatest entrepreneur Fitzroy has known. The "white factory" took up many blocks spuing out the fragrant smells of milk kisses and other favourites. Let us walk the walk and meet the man behind the nail can story.

Rippon Lea is a large 19th century mansion surrounded by 7 hectares of Victorian pleasure gardens. It is listed on the National Heritage Register as one of the finest examples of original suburban estate in Australia.

The varied landscape of Rippon Lea Estate provides a refuge to many of south-east Australia’s disappearing bird species. This tour offers birdwatching enthusiasts of all levels a new appreciation of the biodiversity of this magnificent 19th century Estate.

The trees at Rippon Lea are an important part of the Estate’s history, with some dating back to the 1880s. This walking tour will provide a fascinating insight into the work required to manage and nurture this magnificent collection for the enjoyment of today’s visitors and future generations.

Calling all Jam makers! It’s time to get out your jam pans, cook up a storm and enter a jar (or two) of your home made jam in the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Stone Fruit Jam and Raspberry Jam Making Competition. Show off your skills and share the story that inspires your love of jam making.

A celebration of our natural environment, gardening and sustainability.

At this event we will be discussing the termination point of the Hume and Hovell expedition of 1824-5 with particular emphasis on the three days prior to reaching Port Phillip and the first three days of their return journey.

Come on a fascinating tour of selected graves in the historic St Kilda Cemetery. Be transported back 140 years to hear about
some of the people who were involved with Ned Kelly.

Immerse yourself in the history and luxury that make Como Melbourne’s most glamorous stately home.

The National Trust and the Heritage Council of Victoria presents this opportunity for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in Victoria’s rich history, while exploring the exciting discipline of archaeology.

A subtle uncovering of layers, Como House is transformed into an imagined dressing room, where under things are revealed in their material beauty.

Learn tips on how to collate a cohesive family history from a pile of letters, documents, and photos.

Have you ever noticed those faded, flaking hand-painted advertisements clinging to the sides of buildings and old shops? These ghost signs, echoes of Melbourne's vibrant past, are more than just relics; they're portals to untold stories.

Come on a guided tour with architectural historian and former Mayor of Stonnington, Steve Stefanopoulos OAM, to discover the magnificent features, exquisite interiors and opulent rooms of this internationally significant Toorak mansion, ending with a glass of sparkling wine.

Learn how to document your family history online using Ancestry Library Edition and other free resources

Join us for a fascinating talk about the history of the Moonee Ponds Creek

Come and take a guided tour of the restoration of an Avro Anson, our latest project at the B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia museum in Werribee. Learn how the Anson's history connects us to Australia's World War II aviation history.

Our tours provide insights into D Division's history (Remand prison) and introduces individuals who have spent time in the prison. The tour is conducted by ex-prison officers and former Pentridge inmates.

The Pentridge Prison Precinct Tour will encompass not only the infamous H Division, but also the surrounding precinct where visitors can learn about the ever-changing landscape of the Prison, including sections not usually included on public tours.

This is a place that challenges and confronts, deeply connected to the social and cultural fabric of Australia. The stories within this journey are deep, unique, and expose the intricacies of prison punishment. Visitors are able to explore the former prison’s B Division and the notorious H Division. Nights tours and family-friendly tours are also offered.

An exclusive opportunity to hear from The Torch artist and Keerraaywoorrong man, Chris Austin about his artwork that is deeply influenced and informed by his own time spent behind the bluestone walls of Pentridge, followed by a live painting in the Old Warders residence.

Come join us for a relaxed still life sketching session in the gallery. Sketch with others, be inspired by the exhibition on display in a charming 1890s manse. Bring your own materials (hard back sketch book preferred) and enjoy some creative time in good company.

Three marvellous mansions in Melbourne: Labassa (Caulfield North), Villa Alba (Kew) and Mandeville Hall (Toorak) are all rare survivors of the late nineteenth century.

Come and explore the 1880s mansion's wonderful hand-painted and stencilled decorations and recreated heritage garden.

Come and meet Ned Kelly and his associates in three cemetery walks across Melbourne. At Brighton, you will meet the Police involved in hunting and capturing Ned Kelly after the Stringybark Creek killings, a kindly preacher, journalist & official witnesses at the hanging. Costs include afternoon tea.

Join a guided walk with heritage experts from Parks Victoria, Heritage Victoria, and Alliance Archaeology to learn about the management of the archaeological remains of the former Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum and the extent of what is still under our feet at this popular urban park.

Beginning at the base of the clock tower of the Malvern Town Hall, you will explore and see differently heritage places in Malvern such as the Town Hall, nearby Police Station and former Court House, Stonnington’s only bluestone house and more!

Learn the history of Gardiners Creek in this engaging and informative talk by renowned archaeologist and historian Dr Gary Presland.

Discover some of the interesting graves and landmarks that give us an insight into the social history of 19th and 20th century Melbourne.

The Broadmeadows Historical Museum is reopening after extensive redesign of displays, to become more Broadmeadows and district centric. Enjoy our clean more open display with designated research facilities.

Learn how to navigate and find the resources available through the National Library of Australia's huge database, Trove.

Visit historic Black Rock House in the city of bayside and explore the history of its inhabitants of yesteryear. 168 years ago the house was built as a family summer home. Visit and see for yourself how they lived in 1856.

His name has become synonymous with courage, the phrase “game as Ned Kelly” having become part of the Australian lexicon. Regardless of your viewpoint the Kelly legend is enshrined in Australian folklore. Join us to hear about some whose lives became linked with Ned’s - the Ned Kelly Connections

Enjoy a Mother’s Day morning or afternoon tea in the Museum Gallery & Museum of Karl & Slawa Horowitz-Duldig: a unique experience to view works of art and sculptures in an authentic domestic setting.

Learn how to search for records on the world wars and other conflicts, repatriation files, soldier settlement files and more, with Way Back When historians.

A predominately theory based workshop at Waller House which will cover a history of glass and glazing, installation, decoration, maintenance and repair. A house tour will also form a part of this workshop.

Immerse yourself in the lives of those who lived, created, loved, and lost in Waller House.

Join a panel of expert architects, designers and creatives with experience in renovating and restoring mid-century modern homes or building a house inspired by mid-century modern design. The talented panel will present images of their projects and answer questions at the completion of the discussion

The Scout Heritage Adventure Centre - 'Museum on Mackie' is the premier Scout Museum in Victoria. It showcases the History of Scouting in Victoria from 1908 to the present day. The Centre holds our Victorian Scouting Archives and memorabilia collection.

Some museum objects seem to be asleep in our storage rooms. They are like secret agents.
From the extensive array of objects collected over six decades, this exhibition connects you with more than 180 secret agents. Their undercover identities slept in our store, preserved by our Society.

Join this unique guided experience to hear the stories that shaped Bundoora.

Join magician and historian Dr Jo Clyne and historian Dr David Waldron as they explore through magic Harry Houdini's life and fateful 1910 Australian trip.

This rarely seen property offers visitors the opportunity to explore an intact 1930s Roy Grounds waterfront holiday house set amidst a faithfully reconstructed landscape of native coastal vegetation, located in the Victoria Heritage listed Ranelagh Estate designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1924.

A guided walk through parts of the Walter Burley Griffin designed Ranelagh Estate in Mt Eliza to learn about the history and heritage values of the estate, including an opportunity to visit the Ranelagh Club House at conclusion.

At which National Trust property on the Mornington Peninsula was Joan Lindsay’s book Picnic at Hanging Rock written? If you know the answer to this question, join us at Frankston Brewhouse for our don’t be caught dead pub quiz.

Witness the talent of ARIA-nominated, award-winning Indigenous singer and songwriter Emma Donovan and her band. Join us for this incredible concert where she will share stories, providing an understanding of Country and community.

A City of Greater Dandenong exhibition that celebrates, reflects and recognises the significance of trees in the local landscape over time and the essential timber industry that grew the local community. An opportunity to understand how we can sustain the tree canopy for future generations.

Warrandyte Historical Society invites visitors to view an exciting new exhibition developed in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation exploring the connection between the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and Warrandyte - both past and present.

During WWII a Prisoner of War camp was set up in Rowville to intern the local Italian migrant population. Join local author Darren Arnott to hear the history and stories, the good, the bad and the ugly.

Your Library invites you to attend a range of inspiring talks and this is one no different. Since it's settlement, Knox residents have built some incredible buildings. Join us to find out more about some of these historical buildings, their history and the stories.

Unearth your past and share your stories at this lively event. Bring along your treasures to show expert valuers and conservators, stay and listen to guest speakers, and learn more about our local history.

2024 is a momentous year in the history of Frankston High School.....the school turns 100! We would like to share some of the celebrations with the wider community. Come along and visit our museum which documents the school's development since 1924.

This proposed site visit of Fossil Beach Mornington will be accompanied by visiting experts with knowledge and interest in the significant features.
State and Nationally important for the geology, palaeontology, cement works 1862-64 plus coastal and natural elements.

McClelland Gallery invite you to hear from a panel of historians who contributed to the recently published book. On Bunurong Country: Art and Design in Frankston. Learn about Frankston's fascinating connections with artists such as Daryl and Joan Lindsay, Violet Teague, Christian and Napier Waller.

Learn about the history and provenance of one of Australia’s most remarkable gardens. Created over more than 80 years by renowned philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, Cruden Farm is an oasis of flowers, trees, formal gardens and lakes. A true labour of love left as a place of public recreation.

Are you looking for information on your English ancestors? Not sure where to look, or have hit a brick wall? Join us for an informative look at English Records - what is available and where to find them.

Visitors to the historic towns of Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale will enjoy a one-hour talk from local renowned artist David Beaumont on his exploration of ‘wild white man’ William Buckley (1776-1856) through the artist’s eye. Visitors can mingle with Museum members at morning tea and visit the Museum.

Bear's Castle, circa 1846, lies locked away in the catchment of the Yan Yean Reservoir. Access to this unique building is only granted on special occasions and this is one of them. Take this rare opportunity to visit the only known building of cob construction in Victoria.

Home of Artist Sir Daryl and Joan Lindsay, author of Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Take a guided tour and discover the interesting architectural and social history of Wyreena. The main building is 100 years old and has had three fascinating chapters: from family home to a convent and now a thriving Community Arts Centre.

Your Library invites you to attend a range of inspiring talks and this is one no different. Since it's settlement, Knox residents have built some incredible buildings. Join us to find out more about some of these historical buildings, their history and the stories.

McCrae Homestead is one of Victoria's oldest homesteads and is a physical reminder of the early pioneering life.