Darebin Heritage

Darebin Libraries recently relaunched their local history portal – Darebin Heritage.  The new fresh and clean look site has a host of resources available.  It is fully searchable.

The library has always played a proactive role in telling the local history stories of its community through its range of publications in particular.  This has been important as there are no local history groups active within the City of Darebin.   The library has worked with local historian Brian Membrey who has contributed a number of his research projects including local World War One servicemen.

Other features of the website include:

*local history publications, a number of which can be downloaded in their entirety from the site

* A number of subjects are listed in the articles section, including buildings, events, industry and business, land, memories, people, places, sport and leisure and transport.

*Over 1500 images can be accessed including school photographs from the 1920s and 1930s which include some names,

*Special collections include:

High Street Preston 1892 – 1975

Darebin’s Great War 1914-1918 – Of Affairs Local

In Memoriam  which will include details of over 700 servicemen

*The Northcote Leader 1888 – 1939 is available as a browesable PDF.  While some of  this title is available via trove, other issues can be accessed in person at Preston Library.  The site also includes   transcriptions of some articles including personal reminiscences

* The Kids corner is a terrific resource for local schools. It includes a quiz, life in the past, old fashioned parade, top ten jobs for girls and boys.

* An Ask a question research query template on the site may lead to further articles added to the website

* Further links include a range of resources for Victorian history which includes Wikinorthia: documenting life in Melbourne’s north.

Darebin Heritage makes history accessible and indeed  fun.  Local history know no boundaries,  so if you have research interests in neighbouring Whittlesea, Nillumbik or Banyule be sure to check out Darebin Heritage.  You never know what you mind find.