Read about recent events and activities of Sebastopol Historical Society as reported in the media.
The 150th Anniversary of Sebastopol Primary School Ballarat Times article 7 June 2023 by Edwina Williams. ‘Turning the page on school days.’ An article about the 2023 Sebastopol Historical Society publication Sebastopol School Days: a history of the Sebastopol Primary School no. 1167: 1873-2023: 150 years of state education written for the schools sesquicentenary celebrations.
https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/ballarat/news/turning-the-page-on-school-days/ Victorian Hansard report 23 May 2023Juliana Addison’s Members Statement on 23 May 2023 in the Victorian Parliament regarding Sebastopol Primary School’s 150th Anniversary celebrations and the Sebastopol Historical Society publication Sebastopol School Days.
Arthur Jenkins’ painting of Sebastopol pre-1900 (increase font size please) Ballarat Times article 13 May 2023 by Edwina Williams. ‘A panoramic view of historic Sebas.’ This article reports on the unveiling of a print of Arthur Jenkins’ painting ‘Sebastopol pre 1900’ now on display at the Sebastopol Library. The original painting is part of the Society’s collection. The Sebastopol Historical Society worked in partnership with the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, the Sebastopol Library and graphic designer Peter Lambert to bring this artwork to a wider audience.
Discover Historic Sebastopol booklet and street signage. ABC report 7 July 2022 by Rochelle Kirkham. ‘Spotlight on Sebastopol project delves into gold rush town’s history, links to war-torn Ukrainian city.’ An article about the Discover Historic Sebastopol project which is funded under the State Government’s ‘Spotlight on Sebastopol’ program. The project aims to produce a history brochure featuring key historic sites in Sebastopol with accompanying interpretive signposting to be erected at the featured sites. This is a joint venture the Sebastopol Historical Society is currently undertaking in partnership with the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre. Please click on this photo link to read more about it.
The Sebastopol Historical Society Museum
Ballarat Times article 10 July 2022. ‘Doors open to historic hidden gem’ by Edwina Williams. An article about the Sebastopol Historical Society Museum and its unique collection.
SINCE 1978, the Sebastopol Historical Society has been based in the heritage-rich former Sebastopol Primary School building on Yarrowee Street.
But did you know they have their own two-room museum that’s open to the public on the first Sunday of every month?
Current secretary and past president Ben Wright said the Historical Society holds a large collection of artefacts that date back as far as the 1850s, and archival records, relating to Sebastopol, Magpie, and broader Ballarat.
“The object-based museum is incredibly valuable to the cultural life and history of Sebastopol, with lots of unique items relating to schooling, mining, and the Borough of Sebastopol prior to amalgamation with Ballarat, and household objects and technologies,” he said.
“We have our large archival collection of records, photos, maps, and family histories which people can use to find their own story.
“We hold the regular open day so those who may have a historical interest in Sebastopol, or a family, school or business connection to the area, can come and access our archives and museum.”
President Bruce Harris said the Society is custodians of a “precious” collection with pieces that otherwise may have been somewhere gathering dust, or lost all together.
“Our museum is making sure these items are protected, and not hidden away,” he said.
Through the museum, the Historical Society strives to keep the old school building’s legacy of gathering for learning alive.
“Importantly, it’s also a space for people to be social. Visitors will often come in to reminisce about their school days here,” Mr Wright said.
“Others just appreciate the fact that it’s an old building with old bones. Our museum really is one of those hidden gems in Ballarat, and people should really take the opportunity to come and see it.”
The museum accepts donations of old objects for their collection, within reason.
Sebastopol Historical Society is open to the public from 1pm to 4pm on the first Sunday of every month, except January. They hold their general meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.
The group is based at the Sebastopol Community Centre at 185-187 Yarrowee Street, Sebastopol.
