The Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria (MIV) was formed in 1998 following a State Conference of Mechanics' Institutes (MIs) held in Kilmore in April of that year. It aims to foster the preservation and restoration of the social, cultural and physical heritage of active MIs throughout the state as well as to encourage and facilitate recognition and preservation of MI buildings and the revival of inactive MIs.The purpose of the MIV Historical Plaques Program is to inform the public of the history of Mechanics' Institutes in Victoria and also give a snippet of history about the individual Institute.
59 out of 68 (86%) plaques have been curated
62 subjects all or unphotographedGender Diversity
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0068
Lancefield Mechanics' Institute [full inscription unknown]
, Lancefield, Victoria, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0067
Horsham Mechanics' Institute [full inscription unknown]
, Horsham, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0066
Pyramid Hill Mechanics' Institute and Free Library [full inscription unknown]
, Pyramid Hill, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0065
Mt Egerton Mechanics' Hall [full inscription unknown]
, Mount Egerton, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0062
Tatura Mechanics' Institute [full inscription unknown]
, Tatura, Victoria, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0063
Neerim Junction Hall (originally the Neerim Mechanics' Institute and Free Library. Built on this site in 1873. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. In 1873 the original building was built for the Neerim Mechanics' Institute and Free Library. It was burned down in the fires of Black Friday in 1898, but built again in the same year. The name Neerim Junction began to be used about 1911. In December 1972 the hall burned down again. It was rebuilt, with community support, and officially opened in November 1978 as the Neerim Junction Hall. This plaque, No.63 in the MIV series, was placed here on 11 November 2018 to celebrate the 40 Year Anniversary. "By the Community for the Community"
2957 Main Neerim Rd, Neerim Junction, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0064
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute. Established on this site in 1860. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute was founded in 1859. The main building was constructed in 1860 and the front four-story section added in 1869. Since its inception, the Institute has been a significant centre of cultural activity and social life in Ballarat. During 2004-2013 the building was fully refurbished to return to its 19th century glory. This plaque, No. 64 in the MIV series, was unveiled on 17 November 2018 by Dr Frank Hurley OAM, MIV founding President, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria.
Sturt Street, Ballarat, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0057
Sea View Mechanics' Institute. (now Seaview Mechanics’ Institute Inc.) Built on this site in 1905. The Mechanics’ Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A “mechanic” was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics’ Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the “spread of useful knowledge” and provision for “rational recreation” in the community. The early pioneers held meetings, concerts, church services, balls and euchre parties in the Sea View School. As the number of settlers grew they agitated for a hall. Money was raised by local subscription and the Sea View Mechanics Institute and Library was built on land donated by Mr Bernard Kennedy, with plans provided gratis by architect Mr Lacey of Sale. The building was completed by Mr R. Games of Yannathan at a cost of £300. The grand opening by the Hon. J.E.Mackey,M.L.A. on Wednesday 14th June 1905 was attended by more than 200 people. This plaque, No.57 in the MIV series, was placed here in February 2017 in recognition of the building's significance in the history of the district.
, Seaview, Victoria, Australia
Subjects
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0056
Ararat Mechanics' Institute. Established in 1859, first built on the Barkly Street site in 1869. The Mechanics’ Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A “mechanic” was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics’ Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the “spread of useful knowledge” and provision for “rational recreation” in the community. The 1869 building was rebuilt in 1889, and again in 1908. The Federation style building with its corrugated iron roof, red brick walls, timber windows and doors, and finely decorated parapet, is a feature of the streetscape. In its early years it had an extensive library, and held music classes, lectures and penny readings. In the 1980s the top floor became the venue for the Rosengreen School of Dance with dance teacher Stella Rosengreen. Stella died in 1997, but a Dancing School continues with about 200 students, and a Hairdressing Salon operates downstairs. David Rosengreen joined the Committee in the 1980s. Now Secretary/Treasurer, and with Alan Wetton, President, he has continued to work tirelessly to keep the Institute functioning. This plaque, No.56 in the MIV series, is dedicated to David Rosengreen in recognition of his lifetime of service to the local community. December 2016.
Barkly Street, Ararat, VI, Australia
Subjects
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0054
Amphitheatre Mechanics' Institute. Established here in 1901. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The Amphitheatre Mechanics' Institute was first instigated by Headmaster, Albert M. Barry. It was constructed by a local builder, Mr. William Whitley, at a cost of 179 pounds. The official opening was on 19th November 1901. The Free Library was established soon after. Many original books remain, including the 1900 edition of the Encyclopaedia Brittanica. In 2011 the library was renamed the 'Glenlogie Room' and is used for meetings and displays of historic memorabilia. The Mechanics' Institute continues to be well utilised by many groups and prides itself on its community support and spirit. This plaque, No.54 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2016.
, Amphitheatre, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0049
Kyneton Mechanics' Institute. Opened 19 October 1858. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. In 1855 a committee was formed to establish the Kyneton Mechanics' Institute. The first building opened in 1858, had meeting rooms and a library. Serious fires in 1867 and 1876 destroyed large sections of the building and its valuable library. In 1897 fire damaged the room of the main hall. The building was rebuilt after each of these fires. The original hall had a mural in a Grecian theme that was later replaced with an Art Deco design. The restoration and refurbishment in recent years has returned a grand building to the community where people can meet and socialise in the heart of the town. This plaque, No. 49 in the MIV series, was placed here in 2015. It is dedicated to the pioneers who established the reserve and built the hall.
Mollison Street, Kyneton, VI, Australia
Subjects
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0048
Jeffcott North Mechanics' Institute and Free Library. On this site 1891-1900. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The opening of the Jeffcott North Mechanics' Institute and Free Library was celebrated with a Concert and Ball on 19th November 1891. It was a pine weatherboard building, 50ft x 20ft, built by Mr. J. R. Hornsby of Donald. It consisded of a main hall, library and reading room. It was a place for the district people to meet, learn and socialise. The Jeffcott Orchestra played at the Annual Race Concerts, Balls and other social functions. On 3rd January 1900 a fierce storm destroyed the building, a a clearing sale was held. A public hall was later built on a different site. This plaque, No. 48 in the MIV series, was placed on the site in November 2015 by the Jeffcott History Research Committee.
, Jeffcott North, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0043
Barfold Mechanics' Institute. Established 1897. Moved to this site in 1906. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This building, originally sited at Emberton, was the Emberton State School from 1874 to 1886. It was used by Redesdale railway construction workers till 1891. The site was gazetted for a Mechanics' Institute in 1895, and in 1897 a library was established with a donation of books by Miss Mitchell of Barfold Estate. In 1906 the building was relocated to this site in Dargan's paddock, beside the Barfold Railway Station, on the Kyneton-Redesdale Road. This plaque, No. 43 in the MIV series, commemorates the Victorian launch of "Home is Where the Hall Is" on 27 October 2013 by Ms Amanda Millar MLC representing the Minister for the Arts. The occasion included a book launch, artwork by students of Langley and Redesdale-Mia Mia schools and unveiling of a replica 'Mechanics' Free Library' sign.
Heathcote-Kyneton Road, Barfold, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0037
Kallista Mechanics’ Institute. Opened 20th December 1913. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This plaque, No. 37 in the MIV series, was unveiled on 21st December 2013 to commemorate the centenary of the building of the South Sassafras Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library (name changed to Kallista in 1925). It is dedicated to the pioneers who built this hall and to record its educational, social and cultural importance to the community.
6 Tom Roberts Road, Kallista, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0040
Lardner Mechanics' Institute [full inscription unknown]
255 Burnt Store Road, Lardner, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0028
Laen Mechanics' Institute. On this site 1886-1955. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. The Laen Mechanics' Institute was built in 1186. It was a large (50ft x 20ft) galvanised iron hall, later lined with timber. The opening was celebrated with a concert and ball attended by 250 people. It was the lifeblood of a thriving rural community. There were dances, balls, school concerts, luncheons on picnic days, church services, and a library. It continued as a centre for community activities until the late 1940's. One of the last recorded events was a concert in 1951. In 1955 the building was sold and removed from the site. This plaque, No. 28 in the MIV series, is dedicated to Jack and Ron Della Vedova in recognition of their lifetime of service to the local community.
Donald-Laen Road, Laen, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0022
Mortlake Mechanics' Institute. Established on this site 1869. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This plaque, No. 22 in the MIV series, was erected in 2008 to honour the memory of the people of Mortlake and district who have built and maintained our hall for the benefit of our community.
Mortlake Mechanics Institute, Mortlake, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0023
Kinglake West Mechanics' Institute. [Missing] [full inscription unknown]
1055 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake West, VI, Australia
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0019
Newham Mechanics’ Institute. Established 1903. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This plaque, No. 19 in the MIV series, celebrates the Newham community 2007.
1292 Rochford Road, Newham, Victoria, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0015
Jindivick Mechanics' Institute. [full inscription unknown]
1290 Jacksons Track, Jindivick, VI, Australia
Subjects
MIV Historical Plaques Program #0012
Digby Mechanics' Institute. Established 1870. The Mechanics' Institute movement began in British urban industrial centres in the early 1800s. A "mechanic" was a person applying skills and technology. During the 19th century, most towns in Victoria established a Mechanics' Institute or Athenaeum with a library and meeting hall. Common objects were the "spread of useful knowledge" and provision for "rational recreation" in the community. This plaque, No. 12 in the MIV series, was unveiled to commemorate restoration by the Digby community in 2005
49 Buckingham Street, Digby, VI, Australia
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MIV Historical Plaques Program #0009
Mount Eccles Mechanics' Institute. [full inscription unknown]
Hall Road, Mount Eccles, Victoria, Australia