The MIV was formed in 1998.
It aims to foster the preservation and restoration of the social, cultural and physical heritage of MIs through the development of information exchanges and systems of mutual support.
Membership is open to groups and individuals with an interest in the MI movement, particularly in Victoria.

Since its formation the MIV has;

• Staged the first National Mechanics' Institutes Conference in Melbourne in 2000 and published its proceedings;
• Published the 350 page book If Only the Walls Could Speak: A Social History of the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria;
• Assisted the publication of The Libraries of the Mechanics' Institutes of Victoria;
• Established a web site; secured a round of Government grants for some of Victoria's MIs;
• Produced a Travelling Exhibition Remember the Mechanics?; staged Regional Meetings in country Victoria;
• Established a Mechanics' Institutes' Resources Collection (MIRC) at Prahran;
• Staged the First International Conference Mechanics' Worldwide in September 2004;
• Launched a plaques scheme for MIs; and launched the Victorian MIs building and history database.
• Recently celebrated 10 great years of success and innovation

PROJECT MIS-ing

The Great Search for MI records and memorabilia.
If you know their whereabouts, contact:
Pam Baragwanath;
Unit 21 Cottinglea Way
12-14 Unsworth Road
Ringwood North,
VIC 3134.
Email: pgbarag@alphalink.com.au

Meeting Date:

• The next MIV meeting will be held on Saturday 10th February at the Melbourne Athenaeum, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne at 10 pm.
  All welcome.


• The MIV AGM will be held in the Swinburne University Board Room at the Prahran Mechanics' Institute, 140 High Street, Prahran on Saturday 10th November at 10am.
  Please RSVP on 9510 3393 for catering purposes.