• Entry type: Organisation
  • Entry ID: AWE0761

The Hamilton Literary Society

(From 1889 – )
  • Occupation Arts organisation

Summary

The Hamilton Literary Society is the oldest continuing literary society in Australia. It was founded by Lady Teresa Hamilton, wife of the Governor of Tasmania, Australia, in 1889. Originally known as the Nil Desperandum Society, the group met twice a month at Government House in Hobart, Tasmania, to hear papers read by members. From 1892, members of the Society were also members of the Australasian Home Reading Association – which was formed under the auspices of the Literature Section of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, for the purpose of developing a taste for recreative and instructive reading among all classes, and directing home study to definite ends.

Published resources

Archival resources

  • Archives Office of Tasmania
    • Minutes of meetings, Hobart
    • Papers written by Mary Katharine Burcham for the Hamilton Literary Society
    • Minutes, copies of papers, scrapbook, attendance lists and associated records

Related entries


  • Founder
    • Hamilton, Teresa Felicia (1852 - 1932)