Kinglake

Kinglake Historical Society have recently published Kinglake: a collected history of the Kinglake District 1861- 2011.  A copy can be accessed in the local history collection at Mill Park Library.  If you wish to purchase a copy contact the Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House

The book brings together a summary of over 150 years of Kinglake history.  It traces the development of the days prior to European settlement through to the first discovery of gold in 1861 through to 2011.

Congratulations in particular to the compiler Deidre Hawkins who has taken on the mantle of this ambitious work for the Society.

Greensborough on Victorian Collections

Greensborough Historical Society were recently acknowledged by Museum Victoria as the most prolific contributor to Victorian Collections by a volunteer group. The event held at ACMI was attended by the Minster for Arts Heidi Victoria. On accepting the award the Society’s President Mr Noel Withers said:
" It is with great pleasure that I accept this award on behalf of the Greensborough Historical Society. Though I am merely the person who shouts words of encouragement, our Archivist Sue Ballantyne couldn't be here tonight due to a prior commitment but it is Sue who with a dedicated band of workers each Thursday allocate numbers, photograph, scan and then key relevant details of our ever expanding collection into Victorian Collections.
We are probably the youngest group represented here tonight having formed 3 years ago which allowed us to use the Victorian Collection from its earliest days.
It is important to us that we get local history out to the wider community and now along with our talks to schools, local community groups and our guided walks we now have another avenue to do this, via "Victorian collections".
To all those associated with Museum Victoria especially Victorian Collection I say keep up the good work and I thank you."
Congratulations to all involved at the Greensborough Historical Society. Visit their collection at Victorian Collections
GHS is one of many active volunteer groups in our community collecting and preserving local history and its stories. To locate local history in Yarra Plenty’s region see this list.

Museum Victoria collections online

Museum Victoria must have known it was local history month at YPRL! They have just released their new Collections online and what a great site to have a play on. For example a search of Greensborough results in 62 items to look at. Results can be filtered further by object, document or image. You can also view results in a timeline. Both family and local historians alike will like this resource. Results include an image of an 1851 letter, complete with transcription, summary and significance assessment. If you leave a comment on an item, be sure to place a comment here and let us know what you find in the collection.

Their photograph collection can certainly be looked at hand in hand with our own "Reflections of Diamond Valley" colletion recently rehoused and digitised and which will be launched at Diamond Valley Library, Greensborough tomorrow.

Help for collections damaged by fire

Many people affected by fires in Victoria, may be looking for advice on how to salvage their family heirlooms and local history collections in the coming weeks. The following advice comes from the Australian Archivists Mailing list.

While many things will be permanently damaged or lost entirely, it may be possible to salvage surviving photographs, documents, books, jewellery, medals, pictures and other keepsakes.
Links to online resources about salvaging fire and flood-damaged material can be accessed via the front page of the AICCM website .
If you know of someone who is looking for assistance in such matters, please direct them to this website or suggest that they call a State or National cultural organisation, and ask to speak to someone in the Conservation Department.
Private and consultant conservators can be located via the AICCM's Directory of Members in Private Practice - go to www.aiccm.org.au and follow the link to "Find a Conservator".
Health and safety should remain everyone's top priority:
* Anyone attempting to salvage their possessions should wear protective clothing - especially gloves, masks and eye protection.
* Never attempt to salvage belongings at the expense of your own safety.
* Avoid breathing in or touching hazardous materials.
* Risks in fire-damaged areas can include particulates, exposed asbestos, lead-containing building materials and chemical residues. Some objects themselves can pose health hazards when damaged - e.g. lead-containing glass, lead paint, objects treated with pesticides etc. If water has been used to put out the fire, mould may also be an issue.
* Risks in flood-affected areas include mould, bacteria, disease pathogens and exposure to waste matter and effluents carried with flood waters.

General handling advice:
* Minimise handling of damaged material - handling surfaces can drive soot and other particulates further into fabrics and other porous materials and make them impossible to remove.
* Avoid handling objects by damaged or weakened areas - e.g support ceramics from the base, rather than lifting by handles.
* Avoid placing pressure on blistered or lifting surfaces - e.g. on paintings and photographs.
* Place items in supportive boxes or plastic containers until you can obtain further advice.
* Keep dirty, wet or fire-damaged items separate from cleaner/drier items to prevent contamination.
* Place wet items in areas with good air circulation to aid drying and to help prevent mould growth.

The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) is the professional organisation for conservators in Australia.
www.aiccm.org.au
secretariat@aiccm.org.au
(03) 9013 0933

Further information available at the Australian Society of Archivists
See also Public Records Office Victoria support for bushfire victims which refers to
The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation free downloadable guide "Bushfires protect your precious possessions"