Ballarat Mechanics' Institute (BMI Ballarat) Ballarat, Vic

The BMI’s core principles outlined in 1859 were “the diffusion of literary, scientific and other useful knowledge and the supply of rational in-door recreation to its members.” While this has evolved somewhat into the current day, the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute is fortunate to have retained a substantial collection of 19th and 20th century material that is representative of the holdings of a large, regional Mechanics’ Institute during that period.

The Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute collection of some 16000 heritage books, periodicals and newspapers (approximately 80,000 issues) acquired progressively since 1859 is heritage listed and presents a rare example of the range of reading material available to the citizens of Ballarat and District from the mid 19th century to early part of the 20th century. In addition is the Reference Collection, featuring a large range of directories and other research material.
The collection also includes the Institute’s own Archives dating from c. 1857 including minutes, correspondence, annual reports, lithographs, artifacts and objects, and the newly acquired Max Harris historic Ballarat photography collection.

Links

• BMI Ballarat

Contact Information

location

117 Sturt St Ballarat Vic (map)

phone

+61 53313042

Contact

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 10-4 Sat 10-12

Entry Fee

Donation

Location

117 Sturt St Ballarat Vic

The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute collection of some 16000 heritage books, periodicals and newspapers (approximately 80,000 issues) acquired progressively since 1859 is heritage listed and presents a rare example of the range of reading material available to the citizens of Ballarat and District from the mid 19th century to early part of the 20th century. In addition is the Reference Collection, featuring a large range of directories and other research material.
The collection also includes the Institute’s own Archives dating from c. 1857 including minutes, correspondence, annual reports, lithographs, artifacts and objects, and the newly acquired Max Harris historic Ballarat photography collection. These photographs are in the process of being catalogued here.