Marion Heritage Research Centre celebrates 10th birthday

The Marion Heritage Research Centre – the focal point of historical information about the City of Marion – is celebrating its 10^th birthday with an Open House event on May 2.

The centre, located in the Red House beside the Administration Building on Sturt Road, is where documents and photographs relating to the settlement history of Marion are preserved and shared.

As a branch of the Marion Libraries, the centre holds the contents of the former Local Studies section of the Park Holme Library and the collections from members of the now-disbanded Marion Historical Society.

Heritage Centre Coordinator Danielle Trewartha said finding a permanent home for the historical collection came about after decades of campaigning by local residents passionate about preserving Marion’s heritage.

“Much work was done before us, particularly by the Marion Historical Society, which recently closed after nearly 40 years of tireless work and championing of Marion’s history,” Ms Trewartha said.

“We gratefully stand on their shoulders and aim to bring as much dedication and achievement to Marion’s heritage into the future.

“History is a tapestry of the generations. Our collection continues to grow year by year and relies on donations and loans from members of the Marion community.

“We are a resource greatly valued and well used by our community.

‘We stand by the adage that you need to protect not neglect history because once it’s gone it’s gone.”

The Centre opened to the community with two small events in 2013 and since then has hosted upto 10 workshops or special events a year.

Over the past 10 years, the Centre has played an integral role in preserving and sharing Marion’s heritage including:

• Extensive efforts to mark the centenary of WW1, researching all the people born or enlisted in the Marion area who served; holding a public exhibition ‘From Almond Groves to Poppy Fields’ at Gallery M; and filming a documentary about four Marion gentlemen who had served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force in WW2
• Hosting a special afternoon tea for descendants of the people named on the Edwardstown Honour Board, which had been recently discovered by a local historian and re-installed at the Edwardstown Soldiers Memorial Recreation Ground.
  
• Responding to hundreds of inquiries from people about local family history as well as responding to inquiries and providing resources to local businesses, community groups, agencies, and media outlets.
  
• Digitising thousands of records including over 8,000 photographs, council land and building records, Marion Rates Assessment books from 1854 to 1926 and taped interviews with local residents.
  
• Giving talks and providing displays to schools, community groups, clubs, and retirement homes.
  
• Taking part in South Australia’s History Festival.
  

Besides an “Open House” on Tuesday, May 2, the Centre is holding open days from May 13 to 17 during the South Australia History Festival.

The Centre is also planning to launch several new digital collections during the year and has extended an invitation for the community to drop in and visit.

The Centre is located at 245 Sturt Road, Sturt, and is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 10 am to 4 pm.

Image: Heritage Centre Coordinator Danielle Trewartha, left, and centre volunteer Heather Latz outside the Red House.

For media enquiries, please contact the media team on: