Yarra Glen history has found a new home as a history group is being established in the heart of community activities at the Yarra Glen and District Living and Learning Centre (YGDLLC).
Formerly the Yarra Glen and District Historical Society, the focus of the new group will be to respond to the needs of both current and former residents of the district.
Speaking at a Yarra Ranges Council presentation, Lilydale and District Historical Society president Sue Thompson urged council to include history in its values and visions statement.
“The study of the past and telling its stories are critical to our sense of belonging, to our communities and to our shared future,” she said.
“History shapes our identities, engages us as citizens, creates inclusive communities, is part of our economic well-being, teaches us to think critically and creatively, inspires leaders and is the foundation of our future generations.”
As part of the YGDLLC, the history group is planning to organise a focused workshop at least once each term. Many of these will be about general history.
The first workshop will be ‘getting started on your family tree’ presented by Cathy Dodson on Sunday 22 March at 1.30pm.
In addition, the history group will have an open meeting each Tuesday from 2-4pm during term where members of the community who are interested in local history are encouraged to come along either regularly or as individual needs arise.
Residents who are interested in local history generally, or looking for a community activity such as helping to organise and collate parts of YGDLLC’s collection, undertake research, help extend the online encyclopaedia are welcome.
Specific enquires and visits are also welcome from those seeking help with family history, the history of a house, street or local organisation.
Local schools are particularly welcome to seek assistance with projects and history queries. The centre plans to include some history-related activities specifically for children in the YGDLLC programs.
For more information, contact: 9730 2887 or ygdllc@bigpond.com. Or visit http://www.yarraglen.com/livingandlearning.
