SINCE 1978, the Sebastopol Historical Society has been based in the heritage-rich former Sebastopol Primary School building on Yarrowee Street.<\/p>\n
But did you know they have their own two-room museum that\u2019s open to the public on the first Sunday of every month?<\/p>\n
Current secretary and past president Ben Wright said the Historical Society holds a large collection of artefacts that date back as far as the 1850s, and archival records, relating to Sebastopol, Magpie, and broader Ballarat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe object-based museum is incredibly valuable to the cultural life and history of Sebastopol, with lots of unique items relating to schooling, mining, and the Borough of Sebastopol prior to amalgamation with Ballarat, and household objects and technologies,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have our large archival collection of records, photos, maps, and family histories which people can use to find their own story.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hold the regular open day so those who may have a historical interest in Sebastopol, or a family, school or business connection to the area, can come and access our archives and museum.\u201d<\/p>\n
President Bruce Harris said the Society is custodians of a \u201cprecious\u201d collection with pieces that otherwise may have been somewhere gathering dust, or lost all together.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur museum is making sure these items are protected, and not hidden away,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Through the museum, the Historical Society strives to keep the old school building\u2019s legacy of gathering for learning alive.<\/p>\n
\u201cImportantly, it\u2019s also a space for people to be social. Visitors will often come in to reminisce about their school days here,\u201d Mr Wright said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOthers just appreciate the fact that it\u2019s an old building with old bones. Our museum really is one of those hidden gems in Ballarat, and people should really take the opportunity to come and see it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The museum accepts donations of old objects for their collection, within reason.<\/p>\n
Sebastopol Historical Society is open to the public from 1pm to 4pm on the first Sunday of every month, except January. They hold their general meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7.30pm.<\/p>\n