This exhibition uses images and documents from the collection of the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society to build up a picture of what life was like for children and teenagers in the period between the two world wars. Seven themes are used to give a balanced picture: Housing, Family, Schooling, Community, Leisure, Sport, and Work.

Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society gathers and preserves the history of Port Melbourne and makes this known as widely as possible. Unless otherwise stated, all the images used in this exhibition are from the PMHP’s collection. Quotations caused in the text are also from documents in its collection.

Growing up in Port Melbourne 1920-1940 has been designed to supplement the play Jennie. Jennie Baines, a resident of Port Melbourne, was one of the first women to be appointed as a magistrate in Victoria.