Finding My Place researching family history

It was wonderful to see Heritage Services packed with young Finding My Place students learning hands-on about conducting family research earlier this month. The students familiarised themselves with the resources available in the internet and at the Library, and used the microfilm readers to find out details about their family history.



Some of the Finding My Place students using the microfilm viewers and internet resources.

Finding My Place is a WA Public Library Program that encourages learning and suggests career opportunities through motivational and informative workshops. More information about the program can be found here:

http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=353878371749755;res=IELHSS

Geraldton Song :)

Take a fresh look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmE1JpZx2mI

HMB Endeavour's historic circumnavigation - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

HMB Endeavour, a replica of Captain Cook's famous ship, is sailing around Australia from April 2011 - May 2012.

The ship is currently sailing from Darwin to Broome and is going to stop in Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour 30 September - 4 October.

Australian National Maritime Museum are calling for volunteers to act as tour guides showing visitors through the vessel or act as over-night ship-keepers. Previous experience is not necessary and training is provided.

You can download volunteer forms and find out more at:
http://endeavourvoyages.com.au/

Merry-Go-Round community workshops start 17 August 2011

A series of community workshops is to be held to determine the final plan of the iconic Merry-go-round precinct on the foreshore.

Everyone is encouraged to attend to have a say in how this area is planned for the future use of the entire community.

Three workshops will be facilitated by Greg Rowe and Associates at the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre with the first one, a vision workshop, on Wednesday, 17 August at 5pm.

City Director of Creative Communities, Andrea Selvey, said although the existing Merry-go-round - made famous by former Geraldton author, the late Randolph Stow’s 1965 modern classic, The Merry-Go-Round in the Sea - is a replica of the original structure, it is still a favourite local icon and community input on developing its surrounds is very important.

Variety WA is keen to be involved and has expressed an interest in making a presentation at the workshop, with the possibility of installing playground equipment inclusive for children of all abilities.

The second workshop on Thursday, 1 September at 4pm will be the design workshop where a consultant landscape architect will be in attendance to guide discussion on how the area could be designed and landscaped.

The third workshop, the review workshop, on Thursday 22 September will allow the community to review a draft precinct plan. Ms Selvey said this draft plan will be prepared by the landscape architect from ideas put forward at the design workshop.

RSVP is requested no later than two days before each workshop to
geraldton@gregrowe.com

Light refreshments will be available.

Afternoon ride in Mullewa.

Congratulations Cadel Evans for winning Tour de France this year!

I was looking for something to suit the theme in our collection and came across a great photograph of an afternoon bike ride in Mullewa in the 1930s. The photograph was kindly donated to the Local Studies Collection by Joan Ridley.

August Oral History Morning

Last month's Oral History Morning moved the audience between tears and laughter when Joe Greenland shared some of his memories.

Please join us again on Wed 17 August at 10am. The Oral History Morning will feature a live interview with Harry Moorhead.

Recently Mullewa became part of the City of Greater Geraldton. The focus of the August Oral History Morning will be on the social history of Mullewa from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Mr Moorhead is a retired businessman, who lived in Mullewa from 1933 to 1987. Harry was born in Victoria in 1927. During the Depression the family moved to Western Australia and a set of unusual circumstances led to Harry’s father setting up a drapery business in Mullewa.

Jim Trevaskis interviewing Joe Greenland in July's Oral History Morning.

Photo and story competitions for primary and secondary students

Excellent opportunities to get students interested in the local heritage around them:

National Trust of Australia (WA) has launched their photography and story competition Valuing Our Heritage for Primary and Secondary Students. The entries are due by the last day of term 3 (30 Sept). More information and entry forms can be found at:

http://www.valuingheritage.com.au/2011%20Photo%20Story%20Brochure.pdf

National History Challenge 2011 is sponsred by the National Trust and themed Defining Moments. The challenge "encourages students to use research and inquiry based learning to discover more about Australia and its past. Students are the historians, they can investigate their community, explore their own and their family’s past, explore major events that have taught Australia, as a nation, new ideas or theories." The competition is aimed for students in Years 5-12, the entries closing on 26 August.
More information:

http://historychallenge.org.au/about/