As part of the Australian Heritage Festival 2019, Bayside Library Service and Brighton Historical Society invite you to attend a talk by Julie Spring about her research journey through family history and the story of a fascinating Brighton figure.

John Butler Cooper, journalist and historian, was the first person to extensively research and record the history of Brighton.

His great-granddaughter, Julie Spring, was fascinated by the stories she heard from her grandmother about Cooper and his relationship with the nineteenth century journalist who used the pen name "The Vagabond". The Vagabond's articles were the talk of Melbourne and there was much speculation about his true identity.

Through historical archival research and international and local collaborations, Julie has reconstructed Cooper's early life. Her research resulted in a chapter contribution for Michael Cannon's recent book Vagabond Voyager: The Untold Story.

Afternoon tea will be provided.

When: Sunday 12 May 2019, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Where: Brighton Historical Society, first floor, Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, corner Wilson and Carpenter Streets, Brighton (lift available)

Cost: $6

Enquiries: (03) 9553 8650

Book now

[Image: Photo of the Vagabond, circa 1880s. State Library Victoria.]