Museum News
The Queenscliffe Historical Museum is a vibrant hub of activity. We invite the media to read our media releases to keep up to date with the activities of the organisation.
Please contact us if you require any further information.
Please contact us if you require any further information.
Book Review:
'Step Up, Mrs Dugdale' by Lynne Leonhardt
|
13 February 2020
By Diana Allen (OAM) We no longer have to read between the lines of the known facts of one of Queenscliff’s most historic female figures, Henrietta Augusta Dugdale, as in her new book, Step Up Mrs Dugdale, her great-great-grand-niece, Lynne Leonhardt, has done this so effectively. Based on letters, documents and newspaper articles, plus the stories passed down through her family, the author has visualized in an informed way, the detail of what is most likely to have occurred in Henrietta’s eventful and courageous life during the 19th Century. Henrietta migrated to Queenscliff in 1852 with her first husband, who soon after was presumed drowned in a mysterious accident. Within the year she married his friend and fellow mariner, Captain Wm. Dugdale. This marriage, resulting in three sons, was not a happy one. After fourteen years, Henrietta decided to take her children and leave, only to discover that as a woman she was unable to lawfully have custody of her children. |
|
This book not only tells the story of her own fight for justice, but as the suffragist that she became, her battle for justice for all women of her time. She made great self sacrifices in order to do this, including risking her own
personal reputation. Her indefatigable spirit and her pursuit for women’s rights, including their right to vote, resulted in her becoming a significant figure in Australian history and consequently in our own. Her grave in the
Queenscliffe Cemetery is one of the most historic, and is always pointed out by Colin Mockett and his co-actors during his History Alive cemetery tours.
Lynne Leonhardt has created a luminous tale of love, loss, triumph and fortitude. Set against the evocative coastal landscape of Port Phillip Bay and Marvellous Melbourne at the height of the gold rush boom, Step Up Mrs
Dugdale is an unforgettable portrait of a pioneering spirit and suffragist, a hero for women and a trailblazer of her time.
This book was launched by Professor Fiona Stanley from Perth at ‘Her Museum’ in Melbourne last year, and the author was one of our guest speakers during History Week in October. It is for sale at the QHM for $30, along with many other interesting books, all at good prices.
personal reputation. Her indefatigable spirit and her pursuit for women’s rights, including their right to vote, resulted in her becoming a significant figure in Australian history and consequently in our own. Her grave in the
Queenscliffe Cemetery is one of the most historic, and is always pointed out by Colin Mockett and his co-actors during his History Alive cemetery tours.
Lynne Leonhardt has created a luminous tale of love, loss, triumph and fortitude. Set against the evocative coastal landscape of Port Phillip Bay and Marvellous Melbourne at the height of the gold rush boom, Step Up Mrs
Dugdale is an unforgettable portrait of a pioneering spirit and suffragist, a hero for women and a trailblazer of her time.
This book was launched by Professor Fiona Stanley from Perth at ‘Her Museum’ in Melbourne last year, and the author was one of our guest speakers during History Week in October. It is for sale at the QHM for $30, along with many other interesting books, all at good prices.
Hub update from the Borough
17 January 2020
Residents in the Borough will shortly be receiving information about the project on social media, by email, and in their letterboxes. This communication will provide background information about the project and let residents know how they can participate in upcoming consultation opportunities.
You may receive questions from visitors about the Hub. There’s no expectation for you to be an authority on the project, and if you get stuck, you’re welcome to direct people to Council’s website for a more information. That said, here are some answers you can give for common questions you may encounter:
What is the Hub?
The Queenscliffe Hub will be a new building that combines the Queenscliff Library, Historical Museum and Visitor Information Centre under a single roof in Hesse Street at the existing address. This new building will provide modern facilities that help us deliver our services.
Why is the Hub being built?
Each of the Queenscliff Library, Historical Museum and Visitor Information Centre are well-used by our community, but the facilities and spaces they work out of are outdated. New facilities will allow us to keep delivering the services you already use, and also consider additional opportunities a new building might provide.
I have an idea on what the Hub should include!
There will be lots of opportunities for you to share your thoughts on the project, including one that’s open right now! You can take part in consultation online by visiting queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/hub, by visiting one of the open days at the Queenscliffe Town Hall from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday 22 January, or 11am to 1pm on Saturday 25 January, or by visiting Council offices at any time during business hours before 2 February.
Is this going to close the Library / Museum / Visitor Information Centre?
The project is still in the early stages, but there will be a period in the future where we have to undertake some moving activities while the new building is under construction. This is expected to happen in September this year, and we’ll provide more information for how we’ll keep delivering our services during the transition closer to the date.
I have a specific or difficult question about the project.
I don’t know the answer to that question, but Council has more information on their website at queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/hub. You can also contact Council for more information.
Residents in the Borough will shortly be receiving information about the project on social media, by email, and in their letterboxes. This communication will provide background information about the project and let residents know how they can participate in upcoming consultation opportunities.
You may receive questions from visitors about the Hub. There’s no expectation for you to be an authority on the project, and if you get stuck, you’re welcome to direct people to Council’s website for a more information. That said, here are some answers you can give for common questions you may encounter:
What is the Hub?
The Queenscliffe Hub will be a new building that combines the Queenscliff Library, Historical Museum and Visitor Information Centre under a single roof in Hesse Street at the existing address. This new building will provide modern facilities that help us deliver our services.
Why is the Hub being built?
Each of the Queenscliff Library, Historical Museum and Visitor Information Centre are well-used by our community, but the facilities and spaces they work out of are outdated. New facilities will allow us to keep delivering the services you already use, and also consider additional opportunities a new building might provide.
I have an idea on what the Hub should include!
There will be lots of opportunities for you to share your thoughts on the project, including one that’s open right now! You can take part in consultation online by visiting queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/hub, by visiting one of the open days at the Queenscliffe Town Hall from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday 22 January, or 11am to 1pm on Saturday 25 January, or by visiting Council offices at any time during business hours before 2 February.
Is this going to close the Library / Museum / Visitor Information Centre?
The project is still in the early stages, but there will be a period in the future where we have to undertake some moving activities while the new building is under construction. This is expected to happen in September this year, and we’ll provide more information for how we’ll keep delivering our services during the transition closer to the date.
I have a specific or difficult question about the project.
I don’t know the answer to that question, but Council has more information on their website at queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/hub. You can also contact Council for more information.
Christmas Book Sale
|
13 December 2019
The QHM is discounting the following books as a Christmas special. Besides being good reads, these books are local. If you have visitors or just want to learn about our area consider them for offering something different as a gift. "Step Up, Mrs Dugdale" - special price $26 "Queenscliff the Botanic Gardens Story" - special price $15 "Queenscliff the Harbour Story" - special price $15 |
|
History Week 2019
|
12 September 2019
Every October Victoria’s Historical societies and Museums celebrate a State Government program ‘HISTORY WEEK’. The Borough of Queenscliffe’s three Museums have combined to give locals and visitors a taste of what HISTORIC QUEENSCLIFF has to offer. The Borough of Queenscliffe was established in 1863. This followed the ‘tented’ settlement on the shores of Shortland Bluff (1838), founded to guide shipping through ‘The Rip’, the perilous entrance to Port Phillip. Have a look at the program we have devised for you and come and CELEBRATE with us! You will find a warm welcome awaiting you. Garry Spry President |
|
QHM Promotional Video
29 July 2019
On Saturday 27 July the Museum became a set for a new QHM promotional video. Museum volunteer Ron Hodgetts and his granddaughter Diana coordinated the filming over three hours on the day.
The majority of the cast was QHM members, however a few special extras were also included. Annabelle Ferrier Clingan was one of them, and she was allowed to model her great great grandmother's straw hat (Frances Ferrier (1883-1959), her hat about 1900).
Everyone enjoyed themselves, including the bemused public moving about the museum and exhibits, and all are looking forward to viewing the result after the editing process is complete.
The video will be be released during History Week in October this year.
On Saturday 27 July the Museum became a set for a new QHM promotional video. Museum volunteer Ron Hodgetts and his granddaughter Diana coordinated the filming over three hours on the day.
The majority of the cast was QHM members, however a few special extras were also included. Annabelle Ferrier Clingan was one of them, and she was allowed to model her great great grandmother's straw hat (Frances Ferrier (1883-1959), her hat about 1900).
Everyone enjoyed themselves, including the bemused public moving about the museum and exhibits, and all are looking forward to viewing the result after the editing process is complete.
The video will be be released during History Week in October this year.
|
|
Hon. Sarah Henderson Announcement
|
07 March 2019
‘This morning’s announcement by the Federal Member for Corangamite the Hon. Sarah Henderson, of a further $1.45M of Federal Government funding for the HUB, could not have come at a better time”, said Mr Garry Spry, President of the Queenscliffe Historical Museum. “As the Project Steering Group (PSG) and the Project Control Group (PCG) move into gear to implement this ‘game-changing’ development in the main street of Queenscliff, involving the Museum, the Library and the Visitor Information Centre (VIC), full funding was the only issue remaining unresolved. |
|
Sarah has now put our minds at ease by guaranteeing the final funding ‘Brick in the Wall’. The sum of State, Federal and Borough $$$ commitments now total $5.75M, sufficient to ensure the redevelopment of the Cultural precinct into an elegant, functional and uplifting centre which will be the pride of the main street”, Mr Spry said.
“This is a welcome example of the three levels of Government coming together to respond to the aspirations of the community. It guarantees that this project will finally see the light of day and that the efforts of those who have pursued this dream over so many years will finally be rewarded”, said Mr Spry.
“This is a welcome example of the three levels of Government coming together to respond to the aspirations of the community. It guarantees that this project will finally see the light of day and that the efforts of those who have pursued this dream over so many years will finally be rewarded”, said Mr Spry.
The HUB Workshop
21 January 2019
Museum members attended a workshop to confirm their ‘functions & facilities’ priorities in the new building, the Hub, they expect to move into within 24 months. The Workshop was conducted by local identity Michael Grout, assisted by Museum stalwarts Steve Lee, Lindsay Chatterton and Julie Edwards. The exercise had a real buzz to it, with the results now being collated and refined by Museum team leaders.
Another Workshop will be conducted on February 7th to finalise the Museum’s submission to the soon-to-be-appointed Project Manager to facilitate a brief for architectural services.
Thank you to ‘The Ocean Cafe & Bar’ for the much-appreciated fingerfood gourmet lunch, prepared by local chef Peter.
Museum members attended a workshop to confirm their ‘functions & facilities’ priorities in the new building, the Hub, they expect to move into within 24 months. The Workshop was conducted by local identity Michael Grout, assisted by Museum stalwarts Steve Lee, Lindsay Chatterton and Julie Edwards. The exercise had a real buzz to it, with the results now being collated and refined by Museum team leaders.
Another Workshop will be conducted on February 7th to finalise the Museum’s submission to the soon-to-be-appointed Project Manager to facilitate a brief for architectural services.
Thank you to ‘The Ocean Cafe & Bar’ for the much-appreciated fingerfood gourmet lunch, prepared by local chef Peter.
|
|
|
Latest Funding for 'The Hub'
31 August 2018
Last Friday’s (Aug 31st) announcement by the Member for Bellarine, The Hon. Lisa Neville, concerning the State Government’s $2.5M funding allocation for the Hesse Street HUB, is sweet music to the Committee of Management and Members of the Queenscliffe Historical Museum.
After fourteen long years, relief from a critical overcrowding issue at the Museum will be addressed. This will enable the Museum to better meet its obligations in terms of spreading its message of ‘Celebrating History’ both within the Borough and beyond.
Bigger and better premises to display material in a way that will appeal to a new generation of Australians and which will provide History enthusiasts with a new History Research Centre is long overdue. Furthermore, the opportunity to collaborate with the adjoining Library and Visitor Information Centre, promises an exciting future for this Cultural HUB in the main street of Queenscliff.
To its credit, the original concept of a HUB belongs to the Borough Council. Funding for the project from State and Federal Government sources however, has been a long-running issue in the past; we are grateful therefore to our local State MP for finally addressing this ‘log jam’. We are hopeful that the Federal Government, through our strongly supportive local MP Sarah Henderson, will now commit to providing the additional funding required to ensure that The HUB will become a Cultural Centre with a ‘fifty plus’ year horizon and an inspiration to the town for residents and visitors alike.
Garry Spry Hon. President QHM
Addenda: (Monday September 3rd 2018)
In seeking to attract ‘across the (political divide) board’ support for additional funds to complete this visionary project, the President and Committee of Management have been conducting a series of Power Point presentations to both State and Federal sitting MPs and endorsed candidates for the major parties contesting the forthcoming State and Federal elections. Although all parties express support for the HUB, thus far none, other than the above-mentioned State Member for Bellarine, has been prepared to fully commit to funding. The battle goes on!
Last Friday’s (Aug 31st) announcement by the Member for Bellarine, The Hon. Lisa Neville, concerning the State Government’s $2.5M funding allocation for the Hesse Street HUB, is sweet music to the Committee of Management and Members of the Queenscliffe Historical Museum.
After fourteen long years, relief from a critical overcrowding issue at the Museum will be addressed. This will enable the Museum to better meet its obligations in terms of spreading its message of ‘Celebrating History’ both within the Borough and beyond.
Bigger and better premises to display material in a way that will appeal to a new generation of Australians and which will provide History enthusiasts with a new History Research Centre is long overdue. Furthermore, the opportunity to collaborate with the adjoining Library and Visitor Information Centre, promises an exciting future for this Cultural HUB in the main street of Queenscliff.
To its credit, the original concept of a HUB belongs to the Borough Council. Funding for the project from State and Federal Government sources however, has been a long-running issue in the past; we are grateful therefore to our local State MP for finally addressing this ‘log jam’. We are hopeful that the Federal Government, through our strongly supportive local MP Sarah Henderson, will now commit to providing the additional funding required to ensure that The HUB will become a Cultural Centre with a ‘fifty plus’ year horizon and an inspiration to the town for residents and visitors alike.
Garry Spry Hon. President QHM
Addenda: (Monday September 3rd 2018)
In seeking to attract ‘across the (political divide) board’ support for additional funds to complete this visionary project, the President and Committee of Management have been conducting a series of Power Point presentations to both State and Federal sitting MPs and endorsed candidates for the major parties contesting the forthcoming State and Federal elections. Although all parties express support for the HUB, thus far none, other than the above-mentioned State Member for Bellarine, has been prepared to fully commit to funding. The battle goes on!
