History Week brings Point Lonsdale’s past to life

THE Queenscliffe Historical Museum, in conjunction with the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum and Fort Queenscliff Museum, will this year focus on Point Lonsdale during History Week.

From October 6 to 14, many organisations throughout Victoria hold events during History Week to help bring the state’s fascinating past to life.

For many years local events have focused on stories about the Borough of Queenscliffe’s history, up until now.

To kick off the week, an important new plaque will be unveiled on the Promenade at Point Lonsdale on Saturday October 6 at 2pm.

This plaque, which is a result of local public funding, will commemorate and tell the story of Captain William Lonsdale after whom Point Lonsdale was named.

Lonsdale was a soldier and administrator who supervised the founding of the official settlement at Port Phillip from 1836, as Chief Agent of Government, Police Magistrate and Commandant for Port Phillip.

Also, the “History Alive” cemetery troupe will introduce people to some of the well-known residents of the Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale cemetery on Sunday October 7 at 11am.

These pioneers, some old some new, all played an important part in the development of the Borough.

In the afternoon, pop over to the Terminus, now known as the Point Lonsdale Guest House, at 31 Point Lonsdale Road at 3pm for an afternoon of fascinating stories about old Point Lonsdale.

Historic films will also run each weekday from 11am to 4pm during History Week at the Queenscliffe Historic Museum, which has an extensive collection of old newsreels and films about the early history of the borough, and also specific topics like the pilot service, the fishermen, the steamers and more.

To wrap up the week, a new book Queenscliff: The Harbour Story, written by QHM Research leader Diana Sawyer, will be launched at 360Q in the Queenscliff Harbour precinct on Sunday October 14 at 3pm.

Ms Sawyer has delved deep into the archives and interviewed over 30 people to unveil the story of the harbour from ancient times well before “The Cut”, to the modern-day marina and boat maintenance facility.

This new book will be launched by the Mayor of the Borough Susan Salter and everyone is welcome.

Complimentary refreshments will be served and bookings are recommended (no charge).

History Week brochures and tickets are available from the Queenscliffe Historical Museum at 49 Hesse Street or from next door at the Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre.