History Matters exhibition takes over Castlemaine Market Building

Published on 02 June 2025

Local historical groups in Mount Alexander Shire have come together to present an exhibition called History Matters. The exhibition will be in Castlemaine’s Historic Market Building from Friday 6 June until Sunday 15 June.

The exhibition features photographs, information and items that tell some of the many post-European arrival stories that make our region what it is. The theme History Matters is a reminder to us all of the importance of knowing, understanding, sharing and protecting our history.

Some highlights will be goldmining in Maldon, photographs over the years at Newstead’s Butter Factory, ariel photographs of Castlemaine across the decades, images of the historical Forest Street flood, a historic Monster Meeting flag, tales of surveyor and Taradale resident William Swan Urquhart, and train transportation of Harcourt’s apples and granite.

Groups involved include Castlemaine Historical Society, Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents, Chewton Domain Society, Harcourt Heritage, Maldon Museum and Archives, Newstead Historical Society, and Taradale Historical Group.

Each of these groups hold specialist material that relates to events, places and people in their area. The groups are volunteer-based, and always keen to welcome new volunteers with an interest or passion for the local history.

“Our local historical groups hold fascinating and important post-European arrival stories of our communities,” said Donna Fearne, Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Heritage Officer.

“This new exhibition is a wonderful collaboration between our local historical groups to share with locals and visitors these snapshots from our collective past.”

The Market Building is at 44 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine, the exhibition is free admission, and on from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day.

For more information contact the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre in the building on 1800 171 888.

Image: Castlemaine Market Building. Attributed to Joseph Wheeler circa 1868.