Tours to uncover BMI’s dark corners

UNCOVER the interesting and dark corners of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with a tour of the historic building this weekend to celebrate the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

Led by local performers Katrina Hill and Tim Harris, the tours will take place this Friday and Saturday.

They will include the library and its collection of rare books, the basement and areas of the building the public does not normally have access to.

“Highlights include the witch-marks on the walls and roof of the basement,” Ms Hill said.

“These include words written in we believe German by candle smoke which we think might deter spirits from entering the building, a hexafoil carved on the back of a door, and a Marion Mark carved in one of the bluestone building bricks.”

Ms Hill and Mr Harris will also quash myths surrounding secret passageways around the CBD, and Ms Hill said it is important to tell the building’s history accurately.

“There are a lot of myths about Ballarat, like underground tunnels, or the city being built on top of the old Ballarat city, or ghosts, and although these stories are a bit of fun the truth is far more interesting,” she said.

“The 1860s were a time of great change because there was so much gold being pulled from the ground the city was changing overnight.

“These radical changes were disturbing to many and made people question everything, including religion.”

Tours will also be on offer on Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 22 May covering the building’s history and architecture.

Participants can uncover the stories of Henry Sutton, Australia’s most prominent inventor and past secretary of the BMI, and the Minerva Space and its history as a cinema.

The organisation’s Heritage Festival program will also include the revival of the 1970s Vegas Cinema on Friday 23 May.

“I hope [people] learn that the BMI, although imposing, is actually a fun and free space to come to, with family, and learn about the past,” Ms Hill said.

“Also, the BMI is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on people to attend our shows and exhibitions and take up membership to run successfully.” To book a ticket, visit the Ballarat Heritage Festival website.