Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978
RHSV Gallery Downstairs 239 A'Beckett St, Melbourne
Week of Events
Well Built: Simmie & Co Master Builders 1924 – 1978
Simmie & Co was a prominent building company in Melbourne (1924-1978) and in Canberra (1926-1969). In Melbourne the company was highly successful and built many iconic buildings, churches, monasteries, schools, housing, factories, defence works, the Shrine forecourt (1939-45), offices and theatres including some heritage-listed constructions (one designed by Robin Boyd). The founders were three Victorian brothers, all born in the last decade of the nineteenth century and all worked at the Sunshine Harvester factory before World War One – William, Jock & George. All were World War One veterans (two were Gallipoli veterans). All were wounded and survived. Two were closely involved with the Master Builders Association in Melbourne. Discover their story of a pioneering building company of the early to mid-twentieth century, of World War One veterans, of courage and a willingness to take a risk, of the beginning of the capital city of Australia and the workers, the unsung heroes, who made it all happen.
National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale 2023
Shop vintage and designer clothing from the late 1800s to the present day. It’s time to mark your Melbourne fashion calendar, the iconic National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale is returning to our new space. We’re bringing a huge range of genuine vintage and designer garments and accessories to an even more spacious venue, with exceptional
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MARKETING FORUMS
Christina Browning, the RHSV Marketing Officer, leads these forums which each month tackle a different aspect of marketing for historical societies - they tend to concentrate on social media as it is very available and is free to use, however, Christina will tackle any aspect of marketing which you want to raise. Christina will prepare
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Flos Greig, Australia’s first woman lawyer with Iola Mathews
When Grata Flos Matilda Greig walked into her first law school class at the University of Melbourne in 1897, it was illegal for women to become lawyers. But though the legal system did not even recognise her as a person, she won the right to practice and helped thousands of other women access justice. In defying the law, Greig literally changed its face. The first woman to be admitted to legal practice in Australia, Greig was at the vanguard of 'the graceful incoming of a revolution' as described by then Chief Justice Sir John Madden, as he presided over the ceremony granting her admission to the Victorian bar in August 1905 (The Advertiser, 1905). Remarkable, courageous, adventurous, involved and articulate, Flos Greig stands as an important trail-blazer for Australian women.
An evening with the author of The Simonsens of St Kilda
An event presented by Theatre Heritage Australia in association with Arts Centre Melbourne, is bound to be of interest to St Kilda history buffs. Roger Neill is a UK-based arts historian. His new book, The Simonsens of St Kilda, tells the fascinating true story of a family of singers and their pioneering opera company. Extraordinarily, twelve of
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Connecting With Boeing’s Australian Heritage
Speaker: Annie Flodin Boeing Historical Services is responsible for preserving and promoting Boeing history. The team oversees the Boeing Archives and supports a number of teams and individuals both within and outside of Boeing. Boeing’s archives include two repositories, and they incorporate the heritage of companies which Boeing has absorbed over its long history. The
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Oral history interviewing for beginners: training
Learn the basics of oral history interviewing from two of Australia's most experienced oral history trainers, Sarah Rood and Al Thomson
This is an online workshop, conducted via Zoom.
SEMINAR DAY: MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES Strengthen your work within and beyond your society
The seminar days resume in 2023 with the first being held in Melbourne ‘in person’ and ‘by Zoom’. The program is based on information gleaned from calls to societies during lockdowns along with more recent communications. In a day that seeks to strengthen the best of existing work and inspire fresh approaches, all RHSV members are invited to learn from informed speakers and share their society’s successes.
Polish Museum and Archives in Australia: 30th Anniversary Celebration
In March the Polish Museum and Archives of Australia celebrates its 30th anniversary (slightly delayed because of COVID!) and all are welcome to join in Entry is free and food, entertainment and speakers are included. No BYO but drinks can be purchased at the bar. Bookings essential: polishmuseumarchivesaustralia@gmail.com or Barbara Capewell on 0402 002 429
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239 A'Beckett Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 
03 9326 9288 
office@historyvictoria.org.au 
Office & Library: Weekdays 10am-4pm
