A granular metamorphic rock, marble is derived from limestone or dolomite and composed of calcite or dolomite interlocking grains. Heat and pressure from overlying sediments form it from limestone buried deep in Earth's crust. Graphite, pyrite, quartz, mica, and iron oxides can affect rock texture and colour. This specimen was found in Carrara, Italy. Carrara marble is the most common marble found in Italy, and it gets its name from the region where it is located. The marble was also called Luna marble and was used as a decorative element in buildings and sculptures. It has been quarried since Roman times in the Lunigiana, the northernmost tip of Tuscany, just outside the city of Carrara in the province of Massa and Carrara.Marble is one of the most popular and expensive rocks used in sculpture, architecture, interior decorations, statues, table tops, and novelties. It is available in various colors and textures depending on the chemical composition. The strength of the rock and its ability to hold finer details have made it a favorite among designers. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid hand sized Marble (metamorphic rock) predominantly white with specks light grey and ochre geological specimen, geology, geology collection, burke museum, beechworth, marble, carrara marble, italian marble, marble specimen, tuscany

Fluorite comes in a variety of natural colours and crystal formations and glows under ultraviolet light (the word 'fluorescence' comes from the same etymological source). In its pure form, calcium fluoride, it is a colourless combination of the elements calcium and fluorine, but gains its colour from trace elements that infiltrate or replace calcium within its crystal structure during its formation. Although fluorite crystals polish well and can achieve a high level of lustre, the mineral is very soft (4 on MOHS hardness scale) so it is unsuitable for use in rings and must be handled and stored carefully if used in other forms of jewellery. Most crystals of the mineral are too coarse for decorative purposes but have been mined under the name fluorspar for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes. These include the production of hydrofluoric acid, smelting metal alloys, producing glazes and ceramic finishes and use in medical and dental products. An existing label for this specimen indicates that its origin or collection-point was 'probably USA.' Fluorspar, the form of fluorite used commercially and industrially, was mined in significant quantities in the counties of Hardin and Pope in South-Eastern Illinois throughout the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Fluorite was made Illinois' state mineral in recognition of its contribution to the state's identity and economy. The specimens are significant as examples of surveying activity undertaken to assess and direct the development of the mineral resource industries, as well as the movement to expand human knowledge of earth sciences such as mineralogy and geology in the nineteenth century.The specimen is a piece of purple shaded fluorite (also known as fluorspar), the mineral form of calcium fluoride. The unpolished specimen presents a dark purple interior with a substantial dark grey crust representing the matrix from which the specimen was obtained. Existing label: Flourite / (purple) / probably / USA / BB /burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, fluorite, flourite, calcium fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, jewellery, indigo shire, north-east victoria, mining, illinois, usa, united states, fluorine, gemstones, purple stones

Bituminous coal is the most common type of coal, abundantly found in ancient coal deposits which can be dated back millions of years. Often referred to as soft or black coal, this specimen exhibits a high carbon content, ranging from 76-86%. It also holds a relatively high energy density (27 MJ/kg) meaning that it releases significant amounts of energy when burned. Bituminous coal is most commonly used for electricity generation, as well as in the production of steel. This particular piece of coal was collected as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria in the nineteenth century. It originates from Cape Paterson, a seaside village located in South Gippsland, Victoria (located on Bunurong Country). The discovery of bituminous coal in this locality was first made in 1826 by explorer William Hovell. More discoveries were gradually made over the following decades and in 1859 the Victorian Coal Company commenced the first active coal mining operations in the state by sinking a number of shafts and bores near the area of Cape Paterson. Evidence of this coal-focused past can be found today at the State Coal Mine Museum in the nearby town of Wonthaggi. This specimen is significant as it was collected from the locality of Cape Paterson in Victoria, an area that has since become historically instrumental in the mining of coal and other substances in the state of Victoria. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study. A solid hand-sized piece of bituminous coal with a shiny black-grey surface and jagged edges.Existing Label: BITUMINOUS COAL / Locality: Cape / Patterson, VIC. burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, state coal mine museum, wonthaggi coal mine, victorian coal company, bituminous coal, coal victoria, coal energy generation, william hovell, cape paterson, coal specimen

Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. It has a chemical composition of Cu2(CO3)(OH)2. It often forms within limestone where a subsurface chemical environment favourable for the formation of carbonate minerals can occur. It is a substance that can be found in many different parts of the world including: Australia, USA, Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Malachite has historically been used to produce copper, with mining of the mineral dating back over a period of four thousand years. Due to its beautiful green colourations, it is also commonly used for aesthetic purposes such as in the production of sculptures and jewellery. This particular specimen was collected from the town of Burra, South Australia as part of a geological survey undertaken during the nineteenth century. The locality (located on Ngadjuri Country) has a long history of mining, particularly in copper mining, as the area is rich in copper deposits. The first significant discovery of this was made in Burra (Burra Burra Mine) in 1845 and, at the time, the mine was the largest and richest of its kind in the world, producing nearly five percent of the total world copper output. This specimen is significant as it is considered to be a rare gemstone, as many of the original deposits for the stones are significantly depleted, leaving behind very few sources. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid palm-sized copper carbonate hydroxide mineral with patterns of green colourations Existing Label: MALACHITE / Locality: Burra / S. Aust. Other Label: Confirmed / as Malachite / C. Willman / 15/4/1 / + Bill Birch burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, malachite, gemstone, green gemstone, burra, burra burra mine, burra south australia, carbonate mineral, copper, copper mining, copper mining burra, carbonate hydroxide mineral, copper carbonate, malachite mining, malachite burra, monster mine

Laterite refers to both a rock and a soil type that is rich in clay, as well as Iron and Aluminium. It is created during a process that is called laterization, where high heat and seasonal heavy rainfall cause there to be wet and dry periods, which over time hardens the soil into rock. Because of this, most laterite is formed between tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The iron oxide in laterite is what gives it it’s orange-red colouring. The largest religious complex in the world, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, is partially constructed of laterite, particularly its foundations, as laterite is porous and allows rainwater to drain. This specimen of laterite was collected from the Democratic Republic of Congo while it was colonised by Belgium in the 19th century. Laterite forms in many parts of the world, particularly between the tropics. It is used both for ore and as a building material, and comparing specimens from different parts of the world allows us to document the different compositions that this mineral can have when formed at different locations. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.a palm-sized solid iron-aluminium oxide mineral specimen in shades of brown, orange and greyburke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, laterite, laterite specimen, geology

Montmorillonite is a type of clay composed of aluminium silicate that forms very small particles that are not well-bonded to one another. This is why it is so soft. When in the presence of water, all types of clay swell. Montmorillonite swells even more than most types of clay, which is why it is often chosen over other types of clay in its practical uses. Montmorillonite has many different practical uses, including in the mining industry, as a soil additive, as a sealant, as a desiccant to draw water out of the air, to clean ponds, to make kitty litter and in cosmetics. Montmorillonite is a common mineral and, despite being named after Montmorillon, France, can be found all over the world, including many deposits in Australia. It is not known where this particular specimen originates from. Montmorillonite is an economically and socially significant material with a wide variety of uses. Having samples of common and important minerals allows collections, like the Burke Museum, to have a more complete view of the land on which they are located, and therefore a more complete view of heritage. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A solid tennis-ball sized chunk of aluminium silicate clay. It is primarily white, accented with orange and brown.burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, clay, montmorillonite

This specimen is Cassiterite in Quartz. Cassiterite is a tin oxide metal that forms in thin crystals which can have a beautiful lustre. Quartz is made of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, and is one of the most common minerals on earth. Cassiterite has been a fundamental source of tin ore for humans throughout history, including today. Tin is an important metal that has a wide variety of human uses in different areas, from dying fabric, to making mirrors, and their most well-known use ‘tin’ cans. Tin cans are primarily made of steel and are coated with tin in order to take advantage of tin’s property of being non-corroding. This is a massive step in the history of food preservation. Tinned food first reached Australia in 1815 with early settlers, and it began to be manufactured here in the 1840s. It was incredibly popular, and was a highly exported product, which would be a contributing factor to the ‘tin mining boom’ of the early 1880s. This specimen was collected at Jingellic, New South Wales, in about 1852. Although the Goldfields of the 1800s are much more well-known, tin mines existed alongside the gold mines which began in the mid 19th century and extended almost one hundred years, to the mid 20th century. Specimens like this would have been used as evidence to justify tin mining operations in the region as an investment. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study. The Geological Survey of Victoria was headed by British geologist, Alfred Richard Cecil Selwyn (1824-1902), who was responsible for issuing over 60 geological maps during his 17 years as director. These maps were all hand-drawn and coloured and became the benchmark for accuracy for geological mapping. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study. A fist-sized solid geological specimen made on one half of tin oxide, which is dark grey, and on the other side of silica, which is brown and cream.burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen

There are 17 opal fields in Australia. This opal bearing stone was found in Lightning Ridge, NSW over what is known as the Great Australian Basin. This basin was formed and covers an area of 1.7 million square kilometers in eastern Australia in the Cretaceous period. This basin used to contain an inland sea, which provided an environment where silcrete eventually formed when water levels changed. This eventually seeped into other structures, and eventually hardened and formed opal. Lightning Ridge has a population of around 2000 people, with about 80 000 visitors every year. It is a historic mining town, and is known for its deposits of a rare black opal. Mining started in the area in the late 1800s, early 1900s when the black opal was discovered. This opal-bearing stone is of social and historical significance. It is from Lightning Ridge, which is well-known for being a large producer of opal stones, most famously black opal. The history of the period dates back to 140 million years, with the discovery of black opal in the early 1900s causing interest in the area. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.***A palm-sized solid mineral specimen in shades of beige and light orange*** silica based? burke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, opal, opal fields, australia, lightning ridge, new south wales, great australian basin, cretaceous, silcrete, black opal, mining

It is made up of andalusite. Andalusite is a rock-forming mineral, sometimes found in granite or schist. It is often used to make glass, ceramic products, chemicals, and heat-resistant bricks as it can withstand high temperatures without changing. The chiastolite contains particles of graphite, which arranges in geometric patterns. When crystal growth occurs in the rock, the granite particles concentrate at crystal interfaces and can result in cross shapes. These ‘cross stones’ have been valued and used for their spiritual or religious meaning and used as charms, gems, or amulets. Chiastolite was first discovered in 1754, seen in a description in a published book by a palaeontologist, Franciscan priest, and Spanish author, Jose Torrubia. Deposits have been found in Australia, France, the USA, Chile, Canada, Spain, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Russia. Deposits have been found in Western Australia and South Australia. This particular specimen was found in Bimbowrie, South Australia. Other chiastolite specimens have been found in Bimbowrie, along with jasper, quartz, and aventurine in the form of rolled pebbles or schist. This chiastolite specimen is socially and historically significant. It is a very rare sort of andalusite mineral. It is from one of only two locations where it is regularly found in Australia. The carbon cross has made it an important religious symbol in the past. Its ability to withstand high temperatures has made it a common ingredient in heat-resistant bricks and ceramics today. This specimen is part of a larger collection of geological and mineral specimens collected from around Australia (and some parts of the world) and donated to the Burke Museum between 1868-1880. A large percentage of these specimens were collected in Victoria as part of the Geological Survey of Victoria that begun in 1852 (in response to the Gold Rush) to study and map the geology of Victoria. Collecting geological specimens was an important part of mapping and understanding the scientific makeup of the earth. Many of these specimens were sent to research and collecting organisations across Australia, including the Burke Museum, to educate and encourage further study.A metamorphic mineral consisting of andalusite, with a cross shaped graphite pattern in colours of grey, brown and yellowburke museum, beechworth, geological, geological specimen, andalusite, chiastolite, geometric, cross stone, spiritual, religious, australia, south australia, bimbowrie, quartz, jasper, aventurine, schist

Beechworth's Anglican Church, Christ Church St Peter and St Paul, has served the Beechworth community since 1858 in its present form, following its beginnings in a tent in 1855. The Victorian branch of the National Trust classified the building as regionally significant in 1959 and the organ as of significance to the nation in 1992. Building a place for Anglican worship was a priority in the early days of Beechworth's settlement as the town was a site of regional administration due to its association with the economic and social expansion of Victoria during the Gold Rush period. The Church garden features several significant trees monitored by the Beechworth Treescape Group, including a cork oak growing near the Ford Street entrance, an Atlantic cedar, a bunya or bunya-bunya pine and two kurrajongs. Some of these long-established trees may be visible in this lantern-slide image. Lantern slides, sometimes called 'magic lantern' slides, are glass plates on which an image has been secured for the purpose of projection. Glass slides were etched or hand-painted for this purpose from the Eighteenth Century but the process became more popular and accessible to the public with the development of photographic-emulsion slides used with a 'Magic Lantern' device in the mid-Nineteenth Century. Photographic lantern slides comprise a double-negative emulsion layer (forming a positive image) between thin glass plates that are bound together. A number of processes existed to form and bind the emulsion layer to the base plate, including the albumen, wet plate collodion, gelatine dry plate and woodburytype techniques. Lantern slides and magic lantern technologies are seen as foundational precursors to the development of modern photography and film-making techniques.This glass slide is significant because it provides insight into Beechworth's social amenities and religious infrastructure in the late Nineteenth Century. It is also an example of an early photographic and film-making technology in use in regional Victoria in the time period.Thin translucent sheet of glass with a square image printed on the front and framed in a black backing. It is held together by metals strips to secure the edges of the slide.Obverse: 1 /beechworth, lantern slide, slide, glass slide, plate, burke museum collection, photograph, monochrome, christ church, indigo shire, north-east victoria, churches, architecture, anglican, religion, atlantic cedar, organ, magic lantern, christ church st peter and st paul, beechworth treescape group, cork oak, bunya pine, bunya bunya, kurrajong, quercus suber, cedrus atlantica f. glauca, araucaria bidwillii, brachychiton populneus

Carving of a large male head made by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. The sculpture has been roughly hewn from a single piece of wood.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A limb of a tree roughly carved into the shape of the man's face featuring heavy eyebrows, moustache and beard.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, carving, wooden sculpture

Carving of a small female head made by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. The sculpture as been roughly hewn from a tree limb with multiple branches.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A limb of a tree roughly carved into the shape of a face, featuring a wide nose, protruding eyes, and flat mouth. On a limb section that extends above the head is a carving of a small totem-like face. Two small limb sections protruding from the back. Pen lines and figures on nose and ears.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, sculpture, wood carving

Carving of a small female head made by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. A grid has been drawn across the top with Romanian letters written within the cells.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A limb of a tree roughly carved into the shape of a woman's face, featuring a thick hair style, slanted eyes, delicate mouth, and long neck. Pen notations on top of sculpture.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, sculpture, wood carving

Centenary issue of the Open Door Magazine that was produced by both staff and patients. The title reflects Mayday Hills "open door" approach to patient care.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. 13-page A4 paper magazine with 4 copper staples.CENTENARY ISSUE / 1867 / The New Open Door / 1967 [The Australian National Coat of Arms]beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills, magazine, centenary

Child-size rocking horse made and sold by a patient of Mayday Hills Asylum. Purchased in 1978 and used by a family for generations.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A small wooden rocking horse painted in green, white and brown, with carpet lining on seat.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, rocking horse, children's toys

A knitted handbag made by patients of Mayday Hills Asylum.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A blue and white knitted handbag with cane handles, made by a patient of Mayday Hills.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, craft, fibre art

Knitted handbag made by patient of Mayday Hills Asylum.Mayday Hills Asylum was one of the three largest psychiatric hospitals in Victoria, and played an important role in the treatment of mental health illnesses from its establishment in 1867 to its closure in 1995. As part of prescribed treatment, many patients participated in craft activities were they were able to create an array of objects. A pink knitted fabric handbag in moss stitch with plastic handles.beechworth, burke museum, mayday hills asylum, knitting, handbag, bag, fibre art, craft

This cardbord box was used to package explosives which were used for mining. Black powder and dynamite were heavily used on the goldfields to blast away large sections of earth which. Explosives were stored at Beechworth Powder MagazineMining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth.A brown rectangular cardbord box with opening flaps at top and features printed text on sides and top.GLASGOW / THE PERFECT COMBINATION / NOBEL-GLASGOW EXPLOSIVES / NOBEL-GLASGOW DETONATORSburke museum, beechworth, mining, explosives

These protective over-boots were compulsorily worn in the Powder Magazine so as not to induce static electricity.The Beechworth Powder Magazine was constructed in 1859, and was used as a storage room for large amounts of black-powder used in mining and quarrying. By law, miners were required to leave bulk black-powder in this building overnight.Pair of brown over-boots. Large, lighter leather foot with polished harder leather back and sole, stitched at sides, four lace holes. Stitched leather insole and pull tab at back.burke museum, beechworth, mining, powder magazine, footware

Nozzle was fitted in the end of the director and was used for hydraulic gold miningMining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth.A sluicing nozzle attachment which is 3 inch diameter inside top. Base area has thread machined inside for attachment to sluice. Casting venturi shaped internally.3 /burke museum, beechworth, gold mining, sluicing

Alluvial deposits along with water were scooped into this pan and aggressively agitated to allow dense material, such as gold, sink to the bottom for easy extraction.Mining played an important role in the history of Beechworth, for the township was established in the mid-1850s after gold was discovered in the area. The success of goldmining lead to the growth and development of early Beechworth.A circular gold panning tin featuring sloped sides, a folded over rim, and handles.burke museum, beechworth, gold mining, alluvial mining

This hat was worn by Joan Cahill during her service in the AWAS, where she served in the Signals Branch and rose to the rank of Corporal. The AWAS was formed in 1941, and its main objective was to support the Australian army in various ways. Over 24,000 women served in the AWAS, performing critical support roles such as clerical work, vehicle maintenance, and communications. The Signals Branch, which Joan Cahill served in, was responsible for providing reliable and secure communication services between the Australian army and Allied forces.Khaki women's army hat with grosgrain band wrapped around the circumference with a small metal rising sun attached.burke museum, beechworth, army service, army uniform, joan cahill, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two

This badge was awarded to Joan Cahill in 1948 for serving full-term in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women’s Army Service. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service were she rose to the rank of Corporal.Gold metal badge with wing, rising sun and anchor design, crown at top.OBVERSE: 'SERVICE / AUSTRALIA', REVERSE: '1948 / ISSUED BY C'WLTH GOVT / A307351 / AMOR / SYDNEYburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, ww2, wwii, world war two, joan cahill

An Australia Service Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL / 1939-1945 / BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VI /burke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

An Army Medal 1939 - 1945, issued to Corporal Joan Cahill. During her service, Joan serviced in the Signals Branch of the Australian Women's Army Service.A army service medal featuring a silver pendant and a light blue, dark blue, white, and red striped ribbonFRONT: 1939 / 1945 BACK: G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP: GEORGIV S VIburke museum, beechworth, army service, australian women's army service, army medal, ww2, wwii, world war two

This specimen is a native copper specimen that is metallic. Copper is typically found in the earth's crust and is often found alongside other metals such as gold, zinc, lead and silver which all belong to the same group which is the Copper/Gold group. Copper is most commonly formed from large masses of molten lava rock which has solidified in the earth's crust and over time though different sizes and speeds of crystal growth has turned into large amounts of copper, stored in porphyry copper deposits. Copper has a distinctive colour, yet can sometime appear blue and greenish which is often caused by oxidisation or a mixture of copper and other metals. This specific specimen was recovered from Moonta, South Australia. The Moonta Mining Company was established in 1861, after a Shepard in the area noticed traces of copper. This lead to a rush in the copper mining industry which was relatively young in Australia at the time, making Moonta Mining Company one of the richest in Australia. By the 1860's, South Australia had been nicknamed the "Copper Kingdom" due to its vast amount of Large copper mines and resources. As of 2016, Australia was the second largest producer of Copper internationally, following behind Chile in first place. This copper specimen is significant historically and scientifically as it is such an important metal commonly used throughout the world in various ways. Copper is an invaluable recourse used in daily life, used in most electrical appliances as it is a great conductor of heat and electricity, as well as being soft and malleable, making it easy to bend and mould into delicate sheets and wires. Copper does not corrode and is therefore used in the production of water pipes among countless other significant necessities that are often overlooked in our society. Historically, Copper holds great significance as it was the first metal used by humans. It was discovered roughly 9000 years ago and was utilised by the Neolithic Man who learnt that heating the metal made it more malleable, thus tools and utensils were made which were far superior to the previous stone tools used by humans. This history and its connection to the current and ongoing relationship between humans and copper must be preserved and highlighted as it is integral to the history of all humankind. A small, palm-sized solid native copper mineral specimen with shades of browns, black and rustic tones throughout the specimen.NATIVE (metalic) COPPER / Locality: Moonta, South Australiabeechworth, burke museum, geological specimen, native specimen, geological, mineral, mineralogy, indigo shire, beechworth museum, copper, copper ore

The exact creation date of this chatelaine is unknown, however the hallmarks and engravings on some of the attached objects indicate that this chatelaine was made in the late 1890s. The shark tooth and the liberty bell attached to the chatelaine suggest that the item once belonged to an Australian who had connections to America. The compact, scent bottle lid, and feminine design of the other objects suggest that this wasowned by a woman. The name on the plate indicates that this object may have belonged to someone with the surname Heine. The hallmarks on the scent bottle lid and the compact indicate that they were made in Birmingham, England in the late 1890s, and that the compact was made by H. Matthews. Chatelaines where used by both men and women, usually fastened to a belt or pocket, and small household objects were attached to the main body of the chatelaine by chains. They were only worn by the heads of the household as a display of position and power.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A decorative silver belt hook with small household object attached by chains to a suspended name plate. There are 8 chains and 7 objects; a vesta case, scent bottle lid, compact, shark tooth, bell, button hook handle, container.HEINE/ [plate] CHERRY./ from/ LEO/ May 12th 1899/ [inscription on vesta case] L??S/ Anchor symbol/ x symbol/ lion symbol/ [Hallmark on scent bottle lid] R/ HM/ Anchor symbol/ Lion symbol/ m symbol/ [Hallmark on back of the compact] SYDNEY/ [inscription on shark tooth] Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all inhabitants thereof/ By order of the Assembly of the Province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada/ [inscription on bell] A01176/ burke museum, silverware, social history, heine

A lorgnette, in essence, consists of a handle-mounted pair of spectacles. Lorgnettes, which preceded modern opera binoculars, were frequently seen at both theaters and operas during the 19th century. The term "lorgnette" is derived from the French word "lorgner," which means to discreetly observe or gaze. Prior to the 17th century, optical devices were mainly associated with men, however the creation of the lorgnette marked a significant shift as women started to play a more prominent role in the realm of eyewear. The lorgnette piqued women's curiosity and led to the development of various new designs, such as the "jealousy lorgnette." Furthermore, the lorgnette evolved beyond its initial function as a theater or opera accessory and transformed into a practical daily accessory. Initial versions of the lorgnette featured a handle without any joints. Subsequent iterations introduced a hinged handle, and by the 19th century, a spring mechanism was incorporated which enabled the lenses to fold neatly inside the handle, which also doubled as a protective case.The Burke Museum's collection of historical artifacts illuminates Beechworth's past by showcasing the town's social, cultural, and economic dimensions, contributing to a richer understanding of its social history.A pair of spectacles with a decorative handle attached.burke museum, social history, glasses, opera

Although the exact creation of this pocket watch is unknown, the pocket watch was first invented in 1510, in Nuremberg, Germany. The inception of this invention can be attributed to Peter Henlein, a master locksmith who continued producing timepieces until the 16th century when their manufacturing expanded to other parts of Europe. During the 15th century, pocket watches served as a means of distinguishing between the lower classes and the affluent members of society since only the wealthy could afford them. In this era, an early version of the pocket watch was typically worn around the neck, as opposed to being attached to a pocket watch chain like the Albert T Bar chain. Furthermore, the increasing use of the railways during the latter part of the 1800s significantly accelerated the popularity of pocket watches.This pocket watch is significant as they relate to the social history within the Burke Museum's collection playing a vital role in narrating the history of Beechworth, demonstrating the past of the town through insights into its social, cultural, and economic dimensions.A silver pocketwatch with a leather strap attached at the clasp.A01153clock, pocketwatch, timepiece, burke museum

Specific historical and contextual information pertaining to this object is unknown. There are no hallmarks or documentation to indicate provenance or historical significance. This coin purse appears to have a covering made of mother of pearl. Evidence of interest from over 20,000 years ago mark Aboriginal groups in Australia as some of the first people to value the power and beauty of pearlshell, while evidence of Australian pearlshell being taken across the sea to other countries dates back as early as the 1500s. The 1850s-60s saw the beginnings of the Australian pearling industry. Following the popularisation of plastic for items such as buttons the pearlshell market waned in the mid-twentieth century but was soon after began to re-forge in Australia with a new industry of cultured pearl farms. Most of Australian's pearling industry was initially located in Western Australia and off the Torres Strait Islands. The Australian War Memorial notes on their website that many tokens made from mother of pearl were sent home to loved ones throughout World Wars One and Two from the Middle East, England, the South West Pacific, Australia and elsewhere, but that unfortunately provenance such as the manufacture and sale of many of these items is not recorded.The social history objects held in the Burke Museum's collection help to tell the stories of Beechworth's past by showing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the town's history.A small rectangular purse with silver edging and half clasp, covered in white and cream coloured shell (mother of pearl?)A01154burke museum, social history, accessories, mother of pearl, nacre, australian industry