The book was compiled by Peter Allard and Geoff Alves and published by the Genoa Town Committee. Genoa is a small town in East Gippsland, Victoria. It is close to the New South Wales border where the Princes Highway crosses the Genoa River.A paperback book of 120pp titled Border tales : stories from Genoa, Wangarabell, Wroxham, Timbillica, Maramingo, Nungatta, Wingan and Gipsy Point. On the front cover is a coloured picture of the bridge across the Genoa river at Genoa.

A shoehorn or shoe horn is a tool that lets the user put on a shoe more easily. It does so by keeping the shoe open and by providing a smooth surface for the foot and the heel to move, without crushing the shoe's counter (the vertical portion of the shoe that wraps around the back of the foot), in this way acting as a first class lever. (ref Wikipedia). This shoehorn was an advertising item for Jenkin Shoe Stores of Sydney, New South Wales.Shoehorns were commonly used in the 1930's- 1950's. A silver coloured metal spoon shaped shoe horn with a hole in the handle. It advertises Jenkin Shoe Stores, Sydney. Two leaves on either side of some small flowers are engraved on it.JENKIN SHOE STORES SYDNEYjenkin-shoe-store shoehorn advertising commerce

The C.W.A. rooms were in Munro Street, Orbost and were used for many activities, including Sunday School classes and dance lessons. This event was opened by Mrs J.N. Spittle, the state president of the C.W.A. The program lists an address by Sir Albert Lind M.L.A. In Australia, the Country Women’s Association was first formed in New South Wales and Queensland in 1922. Subsequently each State and the Northern Territory formed an Association, a process which took a period of 14 years. Mrs Spittle was the national president from 1951-1953. This item is of social significance as a representation of the role that the C.W.A. has played in the local and extended community. A souvenir program for the opening of a C.W.A. rest room in 1953. It is rectangular in shape with green print on white card with a black frame. Handwritten in pen on the back -"Thought you might like to have this love Annie"c.w.a. country-women's-association-victoria-orbost associations-women

This a cheaper version of The Durham razors. The Durham Safety Razor Co. was founded in New York,N.Y.c1908 by Thomas C. Durham. The first Durham Duplex U.S. Patent was filed in October 1906 and then in January and March 1907. By 1920 Durham-Duplex claimed eight million users. after many mergers a successor company Durham Duplex in Sheffield England still operates selling blades and knives with retractable blades.The Durham Demonstrator was a popularly used safety razor and hair trimmer of the first half of the 20th century before the use of electric razors.A Durham Demonstrator. This is a hair thinning and trimming resembling a straight razor which folds back into the handle. The handle is black plastic/ composite. It still contains the blade which is double edged. it has a built-in open comb safety guard.On handle: "To Be Used With/ Durham-Duplex Blades" on one side and "Durham Demonstrator" on the other. The blade is marked "Pat'd U.S.A. May, 28 07"razor durham-demonstrator grooming hair-trimmer

Built by the Buffalo Forge Company in New York, USA. It is of a typical hand operated design used in workshops. This item was probably used in an engineering shop locally.A cast iron workshop drill. It has two spanner holes.On wheel at top - BUFFALO FORGE Co. and on frame BUFFALO N.Y.drill press workshop hand-operated

A carved black wooden club with a thick scaled snake coiled around it. At the clubbing end is a solid round ball. It is handmade and believed to have originated in the New Hebrides.weapon wood-carving new hebrides hunting

This sword was collected by Norman Ladner in New Britain during WW11. It was returned to Australia in 1946. Lorraine Joiner (Norman Ladner's daughter) gave the sword to Orbost Police in 2010.Katana were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan, also commonly referred to as a "samurai sword.A Japanese Army Samurai sword from WW11. It has a Katana style blade - a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands.sword ww11 katana samurai japanesse-army weapon

This is the army uniform of James Chester Kerr Trewin a lieutenant in 2/7th and 58/59th Battalions. He served in the Middle East, Syria and New Guinea. James Trewin was wounded in action.This item gives an insight into the human element of World War 11 ensuring that those who were part of the Orbost community and played a vital role during this time are remembered.A khaki coloured WW11 jacket (male) with a cap. There are medals on a strip. Three bronze stars : 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star. Round silver medals : 1939-1945 Defence Medal ; 1939-1945 Australian Service Medal . There is a Rising Sun - Australian Commonwealth Military Force - on the lapel and on the cap. On left sleeve is a strip of black and red bars.uniform-military trewin-james ww11

The tennis racquet belonged to John Phillips who used it in the late 1950s / early 1960s. It was not a new racquet when Ihe started using it, but a pass-me-down from his father. He purchased his first new racquet in the mid 60s and gave this racquet to the Orbost Museum to go in the racquet press so that people would have an idea of what the item (press) was used for - to stop wooden framed racquets with gut strings from warping. John played tennis at Orbost Tennis Club from 1969-1981 - vice president 1971-77, president 1977-81, secretary of Orbost & District Tennis Association 1975-81. He is a Life Member of the Orbost Tennis Club (1980). John is also a Life Member of the Orbost & District Historical Society.This item is an example of an early piece of sports' equipment which was manufactured using different materials.A wooden tennis racquet with a reinforced cane handle. The handle has a black leather grip. The frame is wooden ash with gut strings.ALL ENGLAND Genuine Weather Proof SLAZENGER Reinforced Cane Sealed finishtennis-raquet sport recreation phillips-john orbost-tennis-club

Inspected by George Rawlings 6.2.2013. It is a fossil of a Murray Cod (maccullochella macquariensis) from diatomaceous earths in New South Wales.A very fragile chalk fossil of a fresh water fish. It is aged about 20 million years and was found in the locality of a chalk mine at Bugaldie in New South Wales (near Coonabarrabran).fossil murray-cod chalk-mine bugaldie

Glass milk bottles were used to store milk that was supplied by local vendors to houses in a region. The glass bottles would be reused continually until stolen or broken. Milk would be brought to individual houses where payment may be received on the day or as a larger payment at another time. After finishing the milk, the family would return the glass to a prearranged place outside their home where it would be collected and a new milk bottle returned in its place. A clear glass milk bottle used for 600ml. This would have had a foil lid.Pasteurised MILK 600ML Wash and return Milk Bottle Distributers PASTEURISED 600ml MILK Wash and Return Property of dairy milk bottle glass milk-bottle food container

This bassinet was used for new born babies at the first Orbost Hospital. It would have been used before 1961 as in August 1961, the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Orbost Hospital bought ten new chrome plated cribs for the hospital nursery. These new cribs were on wheels and could easily be taken to the wards. (ref. Orbost Hospital History, Personalities and Stories by Margaret Hollands)The Orbost Hospital was completed by the end of October 1929 after more than twenty years of agitation and preparation. Orbost is an isolated town and the importance of the medical service in the community is immense. This crib is a reminder of its early history.A very rusty wire baby's bassinet. it is oval shaped and has four connected legs. It could be hand made.bassinet health orbost-hospital medical, bassinet health orbost-hospital medical

The Mixmaster 9B in 1948 was the first Sunbeam appliance to be made in Australia. It was designed in the USA.After years of rationing and shortages, the 1950s were a period of economic prosperity, high employment and great technological development. During this period, Australians enthusiastically adorned their homes with a dazzling range of new domestic appliances. Hire-purchase schemes allowed people to take products home and pay for them in instalments. The American-designed Mixmaster 9B was the first Sunbeam appliance manufactured and sold in Australia in 1948. An early Sunbeam Mixmaster. It is an electronic stand mixer with a black metal base in the shape of a rounded teardrop with two holes for the turntable. It has a cream enameled metal arm, cream coloured metal motor housing with a black plastic handle on the top. On the back of the motor housing is a black plastic knob with ten speed options for the mixer, and the "OFF" position. a black electric cord is attached under the motor housing with a black switch beneath the cord. The motor housing is able to tilt backwards on a hinge which is attached to the top of the stand arm. It is worked on AC or Dc power 240 On the bottom are the words "MODEL 9B". mixmaster sunbeam kitchen-appliance food-technology

Burroughs Adding Machines Ltd of Detroit Michigan was the first company to occupy a factory at Strathleven. During the European reconstruction in the late 1940's Burroughs built a major new factory at Strathleven in Scotland, initially to assemble machines from US-made parts and later to manufacture the full product range for the British and Commonwealth markets. Most of the post-war calculators and portables found in Australia are from the Strathleven factory.This manually operated calculator predates the the rise of the modern computer.A manually operated Burrough's adding machine. It is a greyish green plastic and has a silver handle. It has 8 columns to add manuaIly and has decimal currency. There is a roll of white (slightly yellowed) paper inserted in the top section.On front -P3981115 mathematics accounting burroughs adding-machine business calculator

Glasses are from Dixon's Hotel, now the Commonwealth Hotel in Orbost. Laura Dixon held the hotel licence from 04/04/10 until 05/02/17.The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. It still stands today.Three beer glasses - assorted shapes and sizes.Two glasses - Dixons Hotel One - ULVA New South Wales Glass regulation 5commonwealth-hotel dixon-laura glassware beer-glasses

At one time, almost all breweries in Australia had their own brand of returnable bottle or were members of bottle co-operatives that managed returnable bottles. Instead of being crushed to make new bottles, as happens in most cases today, these returnable bottles were returned to the brewery or bottle co-operative, washed, inspected for cracks and chips and returned to service.This item is an example of the type of beer bottle commonly used in the late 19th-early 20th century.MBCV brown glass beer bottle. Has the word COUNTRY embossed below shoulder. The letters MBCV in a spade below that.Front - MBCV in a spade. (Manufacturers Bottle Co. of Victoria) At bottom - Property of the Manufacturers Bottle Co-op of Victoria Pty Ltdbottle mbcv glass

A bedroom set was being made by Copeland & Garrett as a wedding gift for Queen Victoria in 1840. The jug was damaged and so a new set was made. The mold and the rest of the set were destroyed so there could be no duplicates.Very large bedroom basin decorated with Royal Stuart tartan. Has a white base.Underneath - Royal Stuart - Copeland & Garrettbasin copeland-garrett

During World War II the Japanese Government printed currency notes, some denominated in the Australian pound, for use in Pacific countries intended for occupation. One shilling notes are typical of the occupation currency used in captured parts of Papua New Guinea during the War. Japanese printed bank notes. Three five cent notes ; one one shilling note and two five yuan notes.

Inspected by Joanna Freslov, archaeologist 2.6.2008. This club was brought from New Hebrides to Orbost by Reverend Alex Morton in 1894. Morton was the minister at the Presbyterian church about 1890. He had spent time in new Hebrides and went on to New Zealand.A handmade carved wooden club with carved rings at top and bottom.weapon new-hebrides hunting-club morton

Worn by Mrs Jack Mundy while in New Hebrides. The Mundy family were farmers / settlers in the Snowy River area since c. 1880s. The original Mundy family moved to a land "selection" at Bete Bolong in the early 1880's from Buchan. Mundy familyHandmade grass skirt made of native plant fibres and held together with knotting along the top. Natural colour.nonegrass-skirt new-hebrides mundy costume-female native-materials

Presumed to have been made by the family of Mrs. Jean Snow who donated this item. This is a classic example of the tradition of "making do" , of creating new uses for older items or bits of scrap. A pillow case made from four porridge bags which have been opened out and stitched together. The name of the porridge manufacturer is evident on the pillow case, Robert J Terry.Robert J Terry N D M B A N (Eng)pillow- case making-do depression-creativity

Quolls are small carnivorous marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. Tjilpa is the name given to the quoll amongst the Northern Arrernte language group of Australian Aboriginal people. Quolls are primarily nocturnal and spend most of the day in a den. Of the six species of quoll, four are found in Australia and two in New Guinea. The six species vary in weight and size, from 300g to 7kg. They live in coastal heathlands, sub-alpine woodlands, temperate woodlands and forests, riparian forests and wet sclerophyll forests. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from either the Trustees of the Australian Museum or from the amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880 and mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee around the same time. When all taxidermy mounts were completed, they were quickly put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Small quoll with a small round head, long body, and long, thin tail perched on a branch attached to a wooden mount. The quoll has four skinny legs which have long, dark claws. The quoll's hair is a fawn colour with cream spots. There are two black eyes made of glass, two short pointed ears and black whiskers.On wooden mount: BMM5897 /taxidermy, quoll, animal, australia, burke museum, beechworth, reynell eveleigh johns, taxidermy mount, marsupial

The Thylacine or Tasmanian Tiger, was a large nocturnal carnivorous marsupial now believed to be extinct that was native to both Australia and New Guinea. The Thylacine is believed to have first appeared over two million years ago with documentation of the species appearing on rock-art that have been dated as far back as 1,000BC. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. The Burke Museum Thylacine is of great historic, scientific and cultural significance as Australia's most notable example of a species made extinct within living memory. Poignant images of the last known thylacine linger in national consciousness and remain an evocative symbol of the impact of humankind on the natural environment. The Burke Museum thylacine has immense social significance not only for its ability to tell a story to present and future generations, but also for embodying the mythic tiger that lives on elusively, we hope, in the Tasmanian wilderness. Attempts to clone the thylacine from material held in museums attest to the passion that this iconic animal evokes in the scientific as well as mainstream community. Medium sized lean female thylacine with four stocky legs and a stiff tail. The fur is short and coarse and in a light brown-yellow colour with 15 dark brown stripes across the width of the body. The head is long and narrow with two small pointy ears and a large jaw with up to 30 visible teeth.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, thylacine, tasmanian tiger, rare

Wombats are short-legged, muscular, nocturnal marsupials that live in a wide variety of habitats throughout Australia. A common wombat can grow up to 1.2 metres in length and weigh up to 35 kilograms. The name “wombat” comes from the Darug language spoken by the Aboriginal Darug people, who originally inhabited the Sydney area. The wombat was first recorded in 1798 by explorer John Price on a visit to Bargo in New South Wales, however, wombats are depicted on Aboriginal rock-art that date back as far as 4,000 years ago. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century. Medium sized stocky wombat with a broad head and two muscular forelegs and two weaker hind legs that are met with long sharp black claws. The hair is long, thick and coarse in brown/yellow shades. The head features two small black eyes that have been made from glass, two short pointed ears and a bare nose pad. On wooden mount: BMM 5901 /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, wombat, animalia, vombatidae, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns

The Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird located in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and in parts of Africa. They reside in large bodies of fresh water and are renowned for their elaborate mating dances. When breeding, the Great Crested Grebe has tawny cheek "fans" and black crests; however, in the non-breading seasons the plumage of this bird turns white. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Great Crested Grebe is a medium to large sized bird. It typically has cheek "fans" on the sides of the face and elaborate crest feathers which are shed after breeding, as is the case for this specimen. This bird is in a tall standing position with its neck stretched upwards and facing left. The small dark eyes have been made from glass and a large pointed bill. It has a metal tag tied to its left leg engraved with the numbers "4401". The skin surrounding the toes are flat which assists the bird when swimming.On tag 4401taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, great crested grebe, bird

The Pelican is commonly found throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and Western Indonesia. The large throat pouch plays an important part in the diet of this species. The bill enables the Pelican to locate fish in murky water because of its sensitivity and it also has a hook at the end of the upper mandible which is used for gripping slippery foods. Pelicans work together large flocks to catch food by driving fish into one location by using their large bills and by beating their wings. A wild Pelican may live between ten to 25 years or more. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Pelican is a large specimen of white, black, orange and pink colouring. This specimen has the characteristic elongated bill with a large throat pouch. The bill and throat pouch are a combination of orange and light pink colouring. The neck is pale white which continue onto the specimen's back. The wings are tipped with black and the stomach has light brown colouring. The feet are large and webbed and are stood on a wooden platform. The eyes are made of glass and surrounded by pink coloured folds.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, pelican

The Masked Lapwing is a grown-dwelling bird with distinctive large yellow wattles that hang from the sides of its face. The bird has white feathers with black and brown markings. This particular Masked Lapwing has black decorating its hind neck on the sides of the breast which reveal this specimen to be a southern subspecies. The Masked Lapwing appears throughout Australia and is also common in Indonesia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and New Zealand. The Masked Lapwing is known to be fearlessly defendant of its nest and will dive at people who intrude. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Masked Lapwing is standing on a wooden platform. Its wings are slightly elevated and head is turned towards right wing in a slight decline. The stomach feathers are mostly white and the wings are brown. Black feathers decorate the top of the head, the hind neck and the sides of the breast. The bird has tall legs and long yellow wattles covering its face. The small eyes are made from glass.2... Plover See Catalogue, page, 32.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, masked lapwing, plover

The Grey Petrel is commonly seen around New Zealand and rarely around mainland Australia. They are large birds with a grey-white-brown colouring who fly just above the water and are often solitary. They mainly eat squid and fish which they catch by shallow diving. Their scientific name, Procellaria cinerea, is derived from Saint Peter and the story of his walking on water. The Grey Petrel can appear to run on water as they prepare to take off. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.The Grey Petrel is a large bird with a grey and cream coloured plumage. It has short legs with webbed feet and a stout bill. The specimen stands on a wooden pedestal with a paper tag tied around its right leg. The eyes are small and made of a dark coloured glass.15a Great Grey Petrel - Catalogue, page 40.taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, grey petrel

The Hoary-headed Grebe can be located in all states and territories in Australia as well as New Zealand. These birds are usually found in large open bodies of water away from shorelines. They mainly feed on aquatic arthropods which they catch by deep diving. The Hoary-headed Grebe is bird-like in appearance with darkish grey and white plumage. When threatened while in a flock, these birds often dive beneath the water in a synchronised manoeuvre. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Hoary-Headed Grebe in a standing position on a wooden platform. The bird is small and stocky, similar to a duck in appearance, with a darkish grey and white plumage. The eyes are made of glass. The bill is black and the legs are a pale yellow/grey. A paper tag is tied to the left leg of the bird. Only half of the tag survives and records: "25a Hoary... Catalogu[e]...". This identifies the bird as a Hoary-Headed Grebe."25a Hoary... Catalogu[e]..."taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, grebe, hoary-headed grebe

The Australasian Grebe is a small duck-like bird with a hyperactive nature. These birds reside in small, shallow, freshwater lakes and ponds, small waterways or sheltered caves and bays. They can be found throughout Australia and the Pacific region and New Zealand. The Australasian Grebe eat mainly small freshwater fish, crayfish, shellfish and leeches which they catch by diving underwater. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Victoria, as well as individuals such amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century. This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.This Australasian Grebe is in a standing position on a wooden platform with identification tags tied to the right leg. It has dark glass eyes and pale grey bill and legs. The plumage of this specimen consists of dark greys and browns on the rear with lighter colours on the underside. These colours align with those of the non-breeding season. This species has rufous red colouring on the chest and neck and darker colouring on the head during the breeding season. Paper tag: "34a Dabchick Catalogue, page, 64" Metal Tag: "4496"taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, grebe, australasian grebe, dabchick