Public Record Office Victoria

On 12 June 2024, the Minister for Government Services announced the projects that will share in $350,000 as part of round 22 of the Local History Grants program run by Public Record Office Victoria to support community and history organisations to preserve, record and share Victoria’s local history. Oral histories of diverse stories and perspectives from across Victoria are among projects to be funded, as well as digitisation works, memorial websites and archival projects. Congratulations to all of the community groups who received funding!  

Photographs of the Geological Survey of Victoria and its various parent departments from around 1860 to 1978 are now available on our website by searching series VPRS 19731.

The photographs document mining and mining-related activities throughout Victoria, with the photographs likely used for publications, advertising and reports. Beautiful mining buildings, mineral springs, picturesque views of bushland and even portraits of tourists are scattered throughout the collection. 

Congratulations to Tahlia Palmer, our inaugural Creative in Residence recipient, at the Victorian Archives Centre! Following a competitive judging process of more than 70 applications from artists, musicians and writers across the state, Tahlia has begun working with PROV’s map and photographic collections to explore identity and perception, and interrogate the impact of colonisation on people and Country. Stay tuned for updates on her project and upcoming exhibition.

In this award-winning podcast series by Public Record Office Victoria we interview the people who delve into public archives and uncover interesting truths about Melbourne and Victoria's past. Hear about the amazing monuments that were never built, Victoria's queer history, Pentridge Prison escapes, how Melbourne went from deadtown to musictown and more!

Stay up to date with the latest records and interesting stories uncovered from the collection. This blog will offer you a snapshot into the world of historical research featuring the extraordinary tales of Victorian people captured within Victorian Government archives.

Personal information is at risk when agencies do not have an effective disposal program in place and continue to hold public records for longer than the required minimum legal retention period. See our advice for managing personal information in records.