Hands-on, crafty creativity on the Hill

INTRODUCE or reacquaint yourself with rare, old-world trades, arts and crafts at Sovereign Hill.

The living museum’s Amazing Autumn program of practical activities will share creative knowledge and skills from Ballarat’s Gold Rush period with visitors of all ages.

The tricks of the hand-cranked, rope-making, candle-dipping, metal smelting, boiled lolly-making, wood furniture-crafting, and of course, gold panning trades will be taught.

Deputy CEO Katrina Nitschke said Autumn is the ideal time to explore these passed-down, traditional skills.

“This is an invitation to explore and be inspired by traditions of the past, and by doing so, play a part in the ongoing preservation of these skills,” she said.

“We’re delighted to be inviting visitors to experience autumn at Sovereign Hill as they reconnect with family and friends, while discovering new, traditional hands-on skills.

“Visitors can play their part in making history at Sovereign Hill with our hands-on workshops and live demonstrations with our expert craftspeople.”

Ms Nitschke said “safeguarding” rare arts, crafts and trades, so they may live on for many years to come, is a critical part of the not-for-profit museum’s role to protect Australia’s heritage.

“Sovereign Hill is dedicated to ensuring they thrive, and are able to inspire future generations.”

The site’s recently announced new development, the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, is planned to open in June of next year.

Visitors must wear masks, socially distance, make contactless payments, and sanitise their hands often while at Sovereign Hill, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.