About
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, part of the BMI Audio Visual Collection.
The Max Harris Photography Collection 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. The images that have been catalogued and uploaded here are from the digital files in the collection.
More information about the collection and regarding print and image usage:
https://ballaratmi.org.au/heritage/max-harris-photography-collection
Collection acquisition scope and process
An acquisition committee assesses donations to the BMI collections and requires donors to complete associated paperwork.
Key collecting areas are:
-Digital audio-visual material and paper ephemera relating to Ballarat city life
-Books for both lending library and Research Collection as per our collection criteria of relevance, condition etc.
-Ongoing collection of the Ballarat Courier
Our collection
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, part of the BMI Audio Visual Collection.
The Max Harris Photography Collection 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. The images that have been catalogued and uploaded here are from the digital files in the collection.
More information about the collection and regarding print and image usage:
https://ballaratmi.org.au/heritage/max-harris-photography-collection
Collection acquisition scope and process
An acquisition committee assesses donations to the BMI collections and requires donors to complete associated paperwork.
Key collecting areas are:
-Digital audio-visual material and paper ephemera relating to Ballarat city life
-Books for both lending library and Research Collection as per our collection criteria of relevance, condition etc.
-Ongoing collection of the Ballarat Courier
