Media Release

Treasures on Tour!

Correspondence between Victoria’s first governor, CJ La Trobe and western district settlers, and the original diary of Edward Henty, are some of the State Library of Victoria’s collection treasures touring regional Victoria during August 2004. It’s all part of a year-long program of events celebrating the Library’s 150th anniversary.

Travelling Treasures will see Library collection experts take to the road with selected treasures, visiting regional public libraries and schools, providing first-hand access to rare manuscripts, books and artefacts. The program for August includes: Geelong, Ocean Grove, Hamilton, Portland and Warrnambool.

Travelling Treasures will visit a host school during the day and in the evening at the library in each town free talks by heritage collection specialists will offer audience members an opportunity to ask questions and view the treasures.

In August, State Library of Victoria La Trobe Librarian Dr Dianne Reilly and her team will be taking the following treasures to Hamilton, Portland and Warrnambool.

Edward Henty’s journal

Edward Henty was aged 24 when he settled in Portland in the District of Port Phillip, after sailing from Launceston. His journal, kept between 19 November 1834 and 6 July 1839, records the formation of the Portland settlement, widely considered to be Victoria’s first permanent European settlement. The diary provides a daily record of settlement activities such as farming, gardening and especially whaling.

The CJ La Trobe papers

The first Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, Charles Joseph La Trobe, arrived in Melbourne in 1839 to take up the post of Superintendent. In the 15 years of his government, Victoria achieved separation from New South Wales, gold was discovered, and the foundations of a modern city were laid. These papers, including correspondence with settlers in the Western District, form the basis of an administrative history of the colony of Victoria. 

Travelling Treasures will visit:

Tuesday 24 August
-  Monivae College, Hamilton
-  Hamilton Library, 105 Brown Street, Hamilton 
Library bookings: 03 5573 0470

Wednesday 25 August
- Portland Secondary College, Portland
- Portland Library, Bentinck Street, Portland
Library bookings: 03 5523 1497

Thursday 26 August
- Emmanuel College, Warrnambool
- Warrnambool Library, Liebig Street, Warrnambool
Library bookings: 03 5562 2258

Library evening session times: 6pm–7pm 
Sessions are free of charge but bookings are essential.

For interviews with State Library La Trobe Librarian Dr Dianne Reilly and for Travelling Treasures photo opportunities at schools and libraries please contact the Media Coordinator.