Historic Steiglitz gets its close up

ARCHIVAL photographs of the small, historic mining settlement of Steiglitz will be exhibited in Meredith later this month.

Curated by the Meredith History Interest Group, Steiglitz – Thru the Lens will be presented at the Meredith Memorial Hall on Saturday, 30 and Sunday, 31 October, from 10am to 3pm both days.

President Marg Cooper said the showcase will feature images of the town’s mines sites, architecture, hotels, stores, huts, and community throughout its multiple “booms and busts.”

“Those who paved the way,” from the settlement’s families to its miners, farmers, teachers, shopkeepers, and policemen are also the stars of the photographic show.

Pictures of diverse headstones from the Steiglitz Cemetery, both elaborate and simple, will also be part of the exhibition.

The township was bustling with the excitement of mining the second half of the 1800s; in the 1860s – with a population of more than 1500 people – and in the 1890s. Steiglitz also had its own newspaper.

The cemetery site, and other local landmarks including the courthouse and church, are based within the Steiglitz Historic Park, mostly managed and protected by Parks Victoria.

The area currently has many picnic and hiking options including Deadmans Loop, Steiglitz Circuit, Beards Gully and township walks.

Meredith History Interest Group members can access Steiglitz – Thru the Lens for free, while non-members are asked to enter with a gold coin donation.

COVID-19 capacity restrictions apply, but there will be tea and coffee provided, and a Meredith History Interest Group pop-up book shop available.

The project has been funded by the Golden Plains Shire’s Community Grants program, and is being presented as a grassroots part of Australia’s annual History Month, running from 1 to 31 October with the 2021 theme of ‘between birth and death lies history’.

The Meredith Memorial Hall can be found on the corner of Staughton and McLeod streets.