The Camden Museum's treadle sewing machine symbolizes the significant role of sewing in women's lives from the 19th century onwards. Sewing machines democratized work, enhancing women’s agency by saving time and allowing for business opportunities. Women contributed immensely to the war efforts through Red Cross circles, producing thousands of items during both World Wars.
Category: Memorialisation
Canberra’s Macarthur Garden: a tribute to Australia’s wool pioneers and their contribution to the foundation of the nation
The Macarthur Rose Garden in Canberra commemorates John and Elizabeth Macarthur's pivotal role in Australia's fine wool industry. Donated by their great-granddaughter, Sibella Macarthur Onslow, the garden features roses symbolizing hope and gratitude. Established from 1937-1938, it reflects the connection between the Macarthurs and Australia’s early nationalism.
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Revitalizing John Street: A Vision for Community Placemaking
The proposal advocates for transforming John Street in Camden into an Italian-style piazza, enhancing community bonding and social capital. By activating and enhancing various existing and under-utilised elements this revitalized space could foster deeper connections among residents and serve as a vibrant, meaningful heart for the town.
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Exploring Historical Themes: Pictorial History Camden & District Presentation Summary
This presentation examined the role of the historian and researcher and presented the importance of history and the role of a historian. Dr Ian Willis discussed the significance of historical consciousness and collective memory, emphasising the role of a historian as a researcher, analyst, interpreter, and storyteller. The presentation also highlighted "Pictorial History Camden & District," a book by Kingsclear Books, and covered aspects such as structure, select bibliography, index of names, and district maps. Additionally, various related sources and themes, such as the Whiteman and Macarthur families, were explored. The presentation concluded with suggestions for experiencing the past through community festivals, local studies, and living libraries.
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Burragorang Coalfields: From Prosperity to Closure
The Burragorang Valley's coal mining history spans from the early 1800s to the closure of the last operational mine in 2000. The community relied on coal for jobs, but the inevitable end affected the region. International mining companies became involved, and the introduction of electricity transformed mining processes. Many mines opened and closed throughout the years, leaving a rich and complex history documented in various sources.
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Garden Palace, showing the wonders of the age
In 1882, a massive fire at Macquarie Street, Sydney, destroyed the Garden Palace and valuable contents, causing significant loss of records and artefacts. The origin of the fire remains a mystery. The Palace was originally built for the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879.
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Public art in Hobart tells the story of female convicts in Van Diemen’s Land
Public art has been used in Hobart to reveal stories of female convicts that have been hidden in the shadows for decades on the Hobart waterfront and at the Cascades Female Factory.
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Camden Teamsters Memorial, when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road
Tribute to mining and industrial heritage If you wander along the John Street heritage precinct, you will come across a quaint monument with a large wagon wheel reminding you of when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road. The Camden Teamster's Memorial is on John Street, Camden. The memorial is between Macaria, a… Continue reading Camden Teamsters Memorial, when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road
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Celebrate Camden 93, a spring festival
In 2023, Camden celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Celebrate Camden 93 spring festival, initiated by the Camden Chamber of Commerce to boost tourism. Despite initial sponsorship issues, the event drew over 100,000 attendees and was deemed a success. Subsequent festivals struggled with community support, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
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Memorial plaque to Jennifer Eggins, a founder of local tourism
A local identity Outside John Oxley Cottage, Camden Visitor Information Centre at 46 Camden Valley Way Elderslie, is a memorial plaque with a story to tell of local identity, Jennifer Eggins, and her legacy that still echoes across the district. Jennifer Eggins is one of the founders of the local tourist industry. The plaque was… Continue reading Memorial plaque to Jennifer Eggins, a founder of local tourism
