Retrace family roots and Ipswich’s historic buildings at Galvanized festival
29 August 2022
Digging up family secrets, tracing the history of past generations, a virtual heritage trail and digitally rebuilding historic Ipswich buildings are all part Galvanized’s immersive family-friendly program.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the heritage festival, taking place over the first two weeks of September, will provide residents and visitors opportunities to delve deep into the city’s past.
“The Ipswich Genealogy Society will have researchers on-hand to guide visitors to trace family and local histories for the Family and Local History Research workshops at Cooneana Heritage Centre,” said Mayor Harding, who is the Patron of the Ipswich Genealogical Society and long-term member.
“The Centre keeps an extensive library of birth, death and marriage records, school, church and family histories, shipping records plus convict, miners and railway workers information.
“Knowing where we came from can give us a stronger sense of who we are and exploring the history of ancestors and not-too-distant relatives can be an interesting and surprising journey.
“Springfield Central Library will also host a special interactive event for children on September 1, utilising digital block building software blueprints from Picture Ipswich and Queensland State Archives to recreate special Ipswich buildings.”
Running from 1 to 11 September in venues and spaces across Ipswich, the second annual Galvanized festival will bring council and community groups together to showcase the city’s rich history including special open days, tours, demonstrations, workshops and shows.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said very early postcards of Ipswich will be available at Ipswich Libraries, Visitor Information Centre and festival venues to collect for free.
“History buffs can collect copies of ten vintage Ipswich postcards, including Ipswich’s Technical College in 1925, Top of Town in 1935 and a lawnmower display in 1963, along with five honouring one of the city’s most important architects, George Brockwell Gill,” Cr Jonic said.
“The George Brockwell Postcard Series will depict key historic buildings produced over his 55-year long career as well as a QR code that can lead you on a virtual heritage trail around the city.
“The vintage postcards are like viewing a small window to another time, long before digital photography.”
Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage delivers a wide variety of events across an 11 day period. The full festival program and ticketing information is available at Galvanizedipswich.com.au
Galvanized is delivered through the support of the following partners:
Presenting Partners: Ipswich City Council, McNamara Law
Festival Partners: Cooneana Heritage Centre, Historical Motor Cycle Club of Queensland, Ipswich Genealogical Society, Ipswich Historical Society, Ipswich Libraries, Ipswich Mini Crafters, Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, Ipswich Visitors Information Centre, Lost Ipswich, Nicholas Street Precinct, Picture Ipswich, Queensland Metal Artisans Collective, Queensland Museum Network, The Workshops Rail Museum, Didgeridoo Festivals, Elliott Bledsoe, Ghost Tours Australia, Ipswich Catholic Community , Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Troupe, Queensland Colonial Association Inc. Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artisans of Ipswich Inc. St Paul’s Anglican Church, The Pumpyard Brewery.