Ballaarat 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.

The Max Harris Photography Collection sits within the BMI Audio-Visual Collection and was compiled by collector and photographer Max Harris over forty years from various sources, including public, private, and his own images.
Any knowledge regarding additional information about these images or pointing out double-ups can be made via the comment box and is much appreciated.

More information about the collection and regarding print and image usage:
https://ballaratmi.org.au/heritage/max-harris-photography-collection

Contact Information

location: 117 Sturt St Ballarat Victoria 3350 (map)
phone: +61 53313042; Contact

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 10-4 Sat 10-12

Entry Fee

Donation

Location

117 Sturt St Ballarat Vic

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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.

The Max Harris Photography Collection sits within the BMI Audio-Visual Collection and was compiled by collector and photographer Max Harris over forty years from various sources, including public, private, and his own images.
Any knowledge regarding additional information about these images or pointing out double-ups can be made via the comment box and is much appreciated.

More information about the collection and regarding print and image usage:
https://ballaratmi.org.au/heritage/max-harris-photography-collection

Ron McLean 28 May 2017 8:26 PM

In your photo collection, photo MH60-119 is described as being a "Chevrolet sedan being admired". It is in fact a 1960 Cadillac Series 75 limousine. I believe it to be a car that probably belonged to Elvis Presley which was displayed in Ballarat many years ago. You will note the rear doors of the car are open to show the custom fitted shoe shine machine in the rear of the car.

Amy Tsilemanis 11 October 2018 3:05 PM

Thanks for this information Ron