Hotham History Project’s Melbourne Streets 

North and West Melbourne history group the Hotham History Project has embarked on one of its largest challenges to date, Melbourne Streets, a database that details the history of local streets in the area.

From enterprising North Melburnians to trailblazing lawyers, the names of North and West Melbourne’s thoroughfares are connected to pivotal moments in Australian history, and this project aims to educate people on the stories that lie behind the streets they walk.

Hotham History Project secretary Stephen Hatcher said that it was like a “gigantic jigsaw puzzle” that will take years to finish. However, once completed, he believes it will become an invaluable resource.

The volunteers have reached the 15 per cent completion mark, transcribing names of residents and businesses listed in the 1860 to 1974 Sands & McDougall directories for North and West Melbourne.

However, Mr Hatcher is calling on more North and West Melburnians to help make history and contribute to the Melbourne Streets project.

They are looking for volunteers to help with a wide range of tasks, including taking photos of streets and houses, digging through TROVE to find interesting stories, and transcribing records. •