Locals are being encouraged to visit one of Melbourne’s oldest bluestone homes when Ziebell’s Farmhouse opens its doors, cottage garden and historic attic space for people to view next weekend.
As part of this year’s Open House Melbourne, Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden will open the doors to the public for its Stories from the Attic: An Exploration of Life in Melbourne’s Germantown
Open House Melbourne Weekend celebrates good design by opening up a diverse range of buildings, places and spaces, inspiring public engagement in conversations about Melbourne’s architecture, unique buildings and their human stories.
Stories from the Attic will expose the memories of community descended from German and Wendish immigrants to northern Melbourne and will give visitors a chance to explore the rarely opened farmhouse attic, along with an old German smokehouse and classic cottage garden.
Children can enjoy fun activities like making farm animal finger puppets and drawing their own bluestone houses.
Whittlesea mayor Martin Taylor said Stories of the Attic would share the real stories from families who lived at Germantown/Westgarthtown long ago.
“Ziebell’s Farmhouse is not just a building – it’s a living storybook of our city’s early days. Through Open House Melbourne, Stories from the Attic honours the voices of those who helped shape Thomastown into what it is today,” he said.
“This special recognition is very important for the Thomastown community and the families of early German and Wendish settlers who helped build this area.”
Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden will be open Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, from 11am to 5pm.
Also opening their doors to the public next weekend are Kangan Institute’s Health and Community Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows and Yan Yean Reservoir Park.
Open House Melbourne’s executive director and chief curator Dr Tania Davidge said the weekend aimed to shine a light on Melbourne’s hidden histories.
“Stories of the City underscores the idea that the city is more than just bricks and mortar, Melbourne is about people and place,” she said.
“Open House Melbourne Weekend is your best time to explore the secret histories of our city hidden behind closed doors.”
