For many of us, our ancestors arrived ,one way or another, in Melbourne. This was a big city by 1890.
How had it grown by then to be the second largest city in the British Empire?
I found a newspaper reference in 1889 to 'Ordinary' passengers - a married woman (my great grandmother) and family of six - boarding the train at Albury at 2.10 pm on New Year's Eve bringing her family from country NSW to 'Marvellous Melbourne', to make a new start. I followed them in the records as they moved around rented accommodation in Cremorne, Richmond and Little Brighton. They had arrived in the less 'marvellous' aftermath of the rampant property speculation and in time for the crash of the banks and the opening of soup kitchens. We know so much more about our ancestors when we understand the times and places in which they lived.
This coming seminar could help you put your family in context.
An overview of the growth of
some early Melbourne suburbs
1835-1880
The Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the Genealogical Society of Victoria are delighted to co-present this full-day seminar, which will give participants a deep understanding of the forces and influences that have shaped Melbourne’s early growth.
This full-day seminar will be held at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, 239 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne, on Saturday 1 February - 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.
The speakers will be:
- Footscray - Carmel Taig
- Prahran - Steven Haby & Judith Buckrich
- Heidelberg - Graham Thorley
- Brunswick and Coburg - Cheryl Griffin.
With an introduction by Gary Presland on how Melbourne's geography shaped its development.
This seminar is designed for those who are researching their family or community history and want to understand the why, who, when, what and how of Melbourne’s growth. Were the influencing factors economic, geographic, climatic, demographic, religious, commercial, opportunistic, geological, corrupt, or dictated by government? What drew our ancestors to settle where they did?
It will also be of interest to those who merely want to deepen their understanding of Melbourne’s development without having a history project to hand.
This event is open to members and non-members. Cost $60, GSV and RHSV members $45. Light lunch and refreshments provided.
Bookings are required and can be made online, by email, in person or by telephone +61 3 9662 4455 Mon-Fri 9.00am-4.00pm). Joint members please book in separately if both attending. RHSV members should book directly through the RHSV.
BOOK HERE.
There will be a waiting list if the event is fully booked.
This is a good chance to kick-start your research in 2020!