Heritage events in Castlemaine, Maldon, Chewton and Harcourt

The MDM Banner on Parade in Maldon

The 2013 National Trust Heritage Festival with the theme “Community Milestones” will run from 18 April to 19 May with 2000 events across Australia.

A number of local history, heritage and community groups will present a range of events. Phone numbers given are for information and bookings.

On Saturday 20 April there will be an afternoon tour of sites at Franklinford and Mount Franklin associated with the 19th century ‘Aboriginal Protector’ Edward Stone Parker. 5472 1108.

At 3pm Sunday 28 April at the Chewton Community Centre prominent historian Dr Marjorie Theobald will speak on the political and social impact of mass protest meetings on the Goldfields. 5472 1108.

Castlemaine Historical Society Inc member Ian Hockley will present an illustrated talk on the Conception, Construction and Opening of the Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway on Saturday 27 April at 11am in the Former Courthouse, Goldsmith Crescent, followed by a BBQ. 5472 1425.

A display depicting the Settlement and Development of the Harcourt Valley will be staged in Harcourt’s historic ANA hall on Sunday 21 April and Sunday 19 May and on each Wednesday through the Festival. In addition on 21 April there will be a talk on ‘The Coming of Electricity’ and on 19 May another talk by a well-known local historian. 5474 2426.

The Castlemaine Art Gallery and Historical Museum will be open as usual throughout the Festival with its wonderful collection of historic art works and memorabilia.

Sunday 21 April is Maldon Heritage Day and a range of events will occur, including the ‘Steam Train Mountain Bike Challenge’ between Castlemaine and Maldon, conducted by the Victorian Goldfields Railway — “Beat the train or beat your mates”. www.racethetrain.com.au

‘Maldon’s first 60 years to 1914’ will be presented by Maldon Focus Inc. in the Maldon Community Centre with free exhibitions, self-guided walking tours and, at 2pm, a presentation on the State Library collection on Joseph Jenkins, the “Welsh Swagman’ who chronicled late 19th century Victorian life in fascinating detail.

The Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum will provide a close-up look at machinery from Maldon’s golden past, while in the afternoon the Maldon District Museum and History Research Centre will present a special exhibition celebrating Maldon’s Miners and their Families.

For details of Maldon events call 5475 2883.