During the meeting, the Seymour and District Historical Society, which reopened its doors last October after a two-year hiatus following the October 2022 floods, addressed its desire to propel itself into the future.
A primary item of discussion was the grant funding the group had received last year.
Members discussed the $7000 awarded by Community Bank and Cherry Tree Farm for new display cabinets, a $500 grant from Mitchell Shire Council for office desks, new bookshelves from the Lions Club of Seymour Goulburn, as well as funding to support the above objective.
“We got PROV (Public Record Office Victoria) grants for about $12,000, which we used to buy IT equipment to improve our digitalisation project, which the committee has identified as being necessary for us to move forward and make sure that the collection is there a long time after we’re gone,” curator Ted Robl said.
“If something happens here, (putting documents on the cloud means) we’ve got a copy. We were very lucky during the last flood that we didn’t lose more.”
Research officer Nancy Halpin said the implementation of digitalisation at the society was a top priority.
“One of our main priorities for this year is starting to get people to use that equipment in the way of scanning and recording history,” she said.
“We’re trying to take advantage of new knowledge and updating our knowledge all the time, and also getting people used to the idea that they can come here and have a look now — not only in books and pictures, but with IT.”
The society says that it, like many other volunteer groups and community organisations, struggles with getting volunteers on board, particularly those of younger generations.
Member Christa Crowe said while an interest in history often developed over time, the group hoped to make history approachable for all.
“Not only is (using technology) for long-term storage, but it makes it more accessible for future generations,” she said.
“Even though the younger generation probably hasn’t got an interest in history yet, it’s one of those things that does tend to develop as they get older.
“What we’re trying to do is make it accessible and user-friendly for anybody to come in.
“The historical society should not be seen as a repository for old, grey-haired people — it’s not. It’s for everyone because once our history is gone, it’s gone for ever.”
Aside from expanding its digital collection and working on its website, the group will also continue to deliver oral histories, which Ms Crowe said “gives flesh to the bones” of a story.
Ms Halpin, working with another member of the society, will also soon be releasing a book about the Pioneer Cemetery in Seymour.
The Seymour and District Historical Society, located at the corner of Edwards and Tallarook Sts, is now open weekly on Wednesdays, from 10am to 3pm, on the third Sunday of the month, from 1pm to 3pm, and by appointment.
For more information, phone 0427 936 671.
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