Mechanics' Institute, Sorrento
Encyclopedia
The Mechanics' Institute, Sorrento is a building classified by the National Trust of Australia
and located at 827 Melbourne Road, Sorrento
, Victoria, Australia
.
In July 1876, the Mechanics' Institutes Trust received the land, believed to be a donation from local landowner, parliamentarian and 8th Premier of Victoria, Sir Charles Gavan Duffy
. The Trust built the first hall using local limestone and the building was opened on 3 February 1877. Performers at the opening ceremony concert included local landowner, comedian and parliamentarian, the Honourable George Coppin and his daughter, Blanche.
By 1910, the Institute's library contained 2015 books and various magazines. The hall was used for concerts, dances, lectures, church socials, political meetings and other functions. It also housed the Court of Petty Sessions
. During World War I
and World War II
, the hall was used by the Red Cross for making items and packing parcels for Australian troops.
On 24 January 1885, a special concert was held at the Institute featuring Dame Nellie Melba
.
, made the Mechanics' Institute available to the Nepean Historical Society. On 15 October 1967, the Historical Society opened a museum in the building. In March 1994, a gallery extension was built using grants from the Commonwealth Government and the local Shire.
The Nepean Historical Society is a non-profit organisation accredited under the Museum Australia Accreditation Program.
National Trust of Australia
The Australian Council of National Trusts is the peak body for community-based, non-government organisations committed to promoting and conserving Australia's indigenous, natural and historic heritage....
and located at 827 Melbourne Road, Sorrento
Sorrento, Victoria
Sorrento is a township in Victoria, Australia, located on the shores of Port Phillip on the Mornington Peninsula, about one and a half hours south of Melbourne...
, Victoria, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Charles Gavan Duffy
Additional Reading*, Allen & Unwin, 1973.*John Mitchel, A Cause Too Many, Aidan Hegarty, Camlane Press.*Thomas Davis, The Thinker and Teacher, Arthur Griffith, M.H. Gill & Son 1922....
. The Trust built the first hall using local limestone and the building was opened on 3 February 1877. Performers at the opening ceremony concert included local landowner, comedian and parliamentarian, the Honourable George Coppin and his daughter, Blanche.
By 1910, the Institute's library contained 2015 books and various magazines. The hall was used for concerts, dances, lectures, church socials, political meetings and other functions. It also housed the Court of Petty Sessions
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
The Magistrates' Court of Victoria is the lowest court in the Victorian court system, with the County Court of Victoria and the Supreme Court of Victoria respectively judicially higher...
. During World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the hall was used by the Red Cross for making items and packing parcels for Australian troops.
On 24 January 1885, a special concert was held at the Institute featuring Dame Nellie Melba
Nellie Melba
Dame Nellie Melba GBE , born Helen "Nellie" Porter Mitchell, was an Australian operatic soprano. She became one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian Era and the early 20th century...
.
Nepean Historical Society
In 1965 the Flinders Shire Council, an early predecessor to the Shire of Mornington PeninsulaShire of Mornington Peninsula
The Shire of Mornington Peninsula is a Local Government Area in Victoria, Australia. It is located to the south of the city of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula. It has an area of 723 square kilometres...
, made the Mechanics' Institute available to the Nepean Historical Society. On 15 October 1967, the Historical Society opened a museum in the building. In March 1994, a gallery extension was built using grants from the Commonwealth Government and the local Shire.
The Nepean Historical Society is a non-profit organisation accredited under the Museum Australia Accreditation Program.