Mechanics Institute [vertical file]

Goulburn's Mechanics' Institute building is located on the corner of Auburn and Montague Streets. The Institute was the first in the south-east region of NSW to be established, with the inaugural meeting held at the Commercial Hotel on 27 Sep 1853. The Institute's first activities were concerned with conducting lectures and the formation of a library. Later, classes of instruction were added with the library becoming the focal point. Recreational activities were also added, as a means of attracting and maintaining stable membership. Goulburn Mulwaree Library holds many of the original records and memorabilia of the Mechanics Institute which was it's founding institution.

Envelope contains:

* 1-page article: "Schools of Arts", downloaded from ADFAS, 23/2/2021, describing the formation and purpose of Schools of Arts, Mechanics' Institutes and Literary Institutes in Australia

* 3-page photocopied excerpt, A-3 format, of the introduction from "If the walls could speak: a social history of the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria" by Pam Baragwanath, 2000, pp.viii-xi, re definition of a Mechanics' Institute

* compiled list of articles to be found in the Goulburn Post newspaper

* photocopy of article from Goulburn Herald: "Mechanics Institute", 15/8/1863 re formation of the Goulburn Mechanics Institute

* 1-page typed article, foolscap format: "Goulburn Mechanics Institute (est. 1853)", undated, re history of Goulburn's Mechanics Institute, including the purpose-built hall built in its current location, opened 1862. Includes a timeline of notable events from 1863 up 1940, when Goulburn City Council took over the Institute Library, creating Goulburn City Library

* 2-page typed article, foolscap format: untitled, undated, re history of Goulburn's Mechanics Institute up to 1948, also notes on the book "Mouroir" and biography of author Breyten Breyetenbach

* 1-page typed article with hand-written annotations: "The Mechanics Institute", source unknown, but probably E. T. Cross re history of the Institute. Annotations include: 'printed August bulletin '95', and '431 words'.

* 1-page, A3 format, itemised list with annotations: "4. Inventory of records of the Goulburn Mechanics' Institute", unsourced, undated. Annotations appear to be a cross-check of the items from the inventory, indicating missing and additional items

* 2-page itemised list: "Records of the Goulburn Mechanics Institute held in the Regional History Collection of the Goulburn Branch Library", unsourced, undated

* printout of email: "AMISA invitation", 22/7/2008, re invitation to 175 anniversary of Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, and background information relating to the organisation.

* 8-page illustrated article: "Goulburn NSW", ADFAS Canberra, Nov 2011, re a visit by the organisation to the Goulburn Mechanics Institute building and the results of investigation into the Institute's history and its remaining historical documents.

* Copy of email: "Goulburn MI NSW 1853", 2014, re notable events in Mechanics Institute history.