Victoria History Week :: 21-28 October 2012

Victoria’s wide and wonderful past looks set to come alive next month thanks to the hundreds of events in store for Victoria History Week.

To be held from the 21 – 28 October 2012, Victorians can:

• take the family on a trip back in time touring historic Melbourne - from the Burke and Wills monument to the Fairies' Tree;
• find out how history, law, medicine and science helped piece together the remains of Ned Kelly;
• celebrate 100 years of the enchanting State Library Dome - a magical place that has inspired writers and artists since it first opened in 1912; 
• come, if you dare, to a spooky and spine tingling Trick or Treat Fair in the haunted halls of Barwon Park Mansion;
• put on your student explorer hats and follow the clues to discover Fed Square’s Top Ten artefacts and celebrate its 10th birthday;
• learn all about the fascinating art of early visual technology at the Magic Lantern Society's Australian Convention; 
• explore one of Melbourne's grand designs, learning about the construction and social history of our Old Treasury building;
• experience the lavish interiors and enjoy afternoon tea and a glass of sparkling wine in one of Melbourne’s most significant nineteenth century mansions;
• hear some of the 3,000+ stories behind the headstones at the Cranbourne Cemetery, exploring the accomplishments and tragedies of the district’s early settlers;
• roll out the picnic rug and enjoy an afternoon of historic motor vehicles, local arts and crafts at Maffra's Annual Picnic;
• walk down the aisle and admire a century of wedding dresses and memorabilia from 1880 to 1980;
• take a rare tour of our Supreme Court building, hearing stories from the archives and discovering judicial robes and wigs;
• visit the unique Bear’s Castle and discover why the building has kept historians mystified for years;
• applaud the people and projects who preserve and share Victoria's history, at the Victorian Community History Awards.
• and much, much more!

“Victoria has such a rich and wonderful history, so we are delighted to once again be able to pull together a whole host of reasons to get out there and explore it,” said Kate Prinsley from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

“From fascinating walking tours and engaging discussions, to gorgeous exhibitions and ‘history in the making’ events - there is something in store for everyone to enjoy.”

Victoria History Week is supported by the Vera Moore Foundation and is coordinated by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

Event supporters include the History Council of Victoria, Museums Australia Victoria, History Teachers’ Association of Victoria, Heritage Victoria, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum, Scienceworks, Public Record Office Victoria, Koorie Heritage Trust Inc and the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies.

For details on all History Week events, visit www.historyweek.org.au