Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar Series

JUNE 24, 2026. 
4.30pm Melbourne time. 

Dr Laura Jocic, Deakin University 
Bound for Australia: Anne Trotter's Needlework Specimen Book, 1840

Amongst the possessions that Irish-born Anne Trotter packed in her trunk to start a new life in Australia was her needlework specimen book. Arriving in Port Phillip in 1844, Anne Trotter was one of many assisted migrants who, along with other members of her family, were deemed suitable emigrants to the colony. Donated to Museums Victoria by a descendant in 2014, Anne's needlework book, which includes various plain sewing exercises and finely-stitched miniature shirts and a dress, provides an insight into the formal schooling provided to young working class girls in nineteenth century Ireland and the skills which they brought to Australia. This lecture will discuss the context of the needlework book and posit its value to a young female emigrant.
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http://isaanz.org/events/miss-seminars/

As always this is a free public seminar open to every one. 

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It starts at 4.30pm Jabiru Room at Newman College, Swanston St, Carlton.

For those who wish to participate in the live stream

Join Zoom Meeting
https://victoriauniversity.zoom.us/j/83706994388?pwd=hu5yhIlKjlNVxTLebobRTLsbuH49Yo.1

Meeting ID: 837 0699 4388
Passcode: 609493

MISS co-convenors: 

‍ Philip Bull (La Trobe University)
Frances Devlin-Glass (Deakin University)
Dianne Hall (Victoria University) 
Ronan McDonald, (University of Melbourne)

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