The Merton Hall History Society was founded in 2004 by the former Head of the History Department, Mrs Rosslyn McCarthy, with the intention of bringing together like minds once or twice a year to enjoy stimulating company, good food and an inspiring address given by a leading historian.  In 2007, The Society mourned the loss of its Founding Patron, former Headmistress, Miss Nina Crone, OAM.

In 2008, the Committee of the Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Caroline Clemente as Patron of the Society, as well as the continuing patronage of Professor Sally Walker, Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University and Old Grammarian.

For further information, contact the Community Relations Officer, Maggie Grounds on (+61 3) 9862 9200 or maggie.grounds@mggs.vic.edu.au

Functions 2010

Dawn Peel – Anna’s Journey: A British Lady in West Africa and Colonial Australia

Wednesday 17 March – Drinks 5.30 for 6.00pm

Anna’s story connects to the Merton Hall story via her descendants, the Bage sisters, and through her connection to the Clark and Morton families.

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Dr Mike Richards – The Hanged Man: The Life and Death of Ronald Ryan

Monday 23 August – Annual Dinner, 6.30 pm-9.30 pm Long Room

The Hanged Man was winner of the Ned Kelly Prize in 2002, runner-up in the National Biography Award in 2003.

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Richard Barley- Guilfoyle’s Volcano:  Its history and restoration

Wednesday 17 November – Afternoon Tea 4.30 pm - 6.30pm

Richard Barley will present historic photos and maps, explain the redevelopment project and then lead us on a tour of the fully restored site.

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Information about the image used on this page – Yarra House, South Yarra c.1884 by William Tibbits

William Tibbits, 1837 - 1906, a well-known Australian painter of the later nineteenth century, is noted for his paintings of houses in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Yarra House, as Phelia Grimwade House was first known, is a striking example of Italianate architecture and is captured beautifully by Tibbits.

The School and the Merton Hall History Society are most grateful to the Crone family for its generous donation of this painting from the estate of the late Nina Crone.