Arresting the Ephemeral: The Beautiful Usefulness of a Victorian Herbarium

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute is custodian of the most intact surviving set of the Educational Collections of Victorian Plants (1874–1876).

A herbarium and series of books compiled by the first Chief Botanist of the Colony of Victoria, Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller.

This presentation reveals the history and significance of this remarkable collection, including a rare close viewing of select botanical specimens and books.

The speaker, Ellen Becker, is a museum and cultural heritage professional, currently working as the Heritage Collections Curator at the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, as well as Property Coordinator of Old Melbourne Gaol and Polly Woodside at the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).