Presented by Dr Denise Cook, Deakin University
Established to improve working men’s education and keep them away from the pub, the Swan River Mechanics’ Institute had Perth’s best library and only museum until the late 1800s. Located on the corner of Hay and Pier Streets it was just down the road from the current City of Perth Library.
In 1892 the colonial government purchased the museum collection to form the basis of what is now the WA Museum. The library continued, changing its name to the Perth Literary Institute, until in 1957 the City of Perth purchased the books and premises to form the current lending library.
Focusing on the little-known museum, this talk explores why the Mechanics’ Institute needed a museum, and the detective work of tracing its objects and rare books more than a hundred years later.
$15 per person (inc. GST)
Bookings are essential as places are limited.

Book now: trybooking.com/475803

Back to events