The development of different fabrics throughout history reminds us of the way technology has advanced.  

The styles of garb worn by men and women is also a window into an era’s attitudes towards gender.

These are the sorts of stories enshrined in the Bendigo Historical Society’s archive of 1000 fashion items, dating from between the 1860s and the 1960s.  

The archive is benefiting from a $9000 state government investment made as part of its Local History Grants Program. The money has bought the organisation new storage materials to improve the care, identification and storage of the collection.

The items were previously kept wrapped in tissue across several temporary storage locations that made it is difficult for archivists to access items.  

Bendigo East and West MPs, Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards, said the Bendigo Historical society were vital to promoting local history and the investment would keep the costumes in good condition for future generations.

“Whether it’s the international showstoppers at the art gallery such as the Marilyn Monroe exhibition, our wineries, museums or gold rush era buildings, we really have the best of everything here in Bendigo,” Ms Allan said.

Bendigo groups are being urged to apply for up to $15,000 from this year’s grants program.  

Other successful organisations in the area include the the Bendigo Cemeteries Trust, which was last year awarded $10,000 to develop a self-guided walking tour.