OUT OF THE STRAIGHT JACKET: THE ART OF ANTI-COLONIAL HISTORY

As Dr Rachel Buchanan researched the wild, globetrotting journey of five magnificent 17th century carvings made by ancestors in Taranaki, she also received an education in the art of anti-colonial history. From swamp to chateau to the House of Lords, through wānanga and discussions with the Hon. Mahara Okeroa and other mentors, Rachel will tell how she escaped the straight-jacket of historical facts to write a story that is closer to the truth of ongoing tino rangatiratanga - or sovereignty - for Taranaki.

This event is free to all. Please register to receive the Zoom link.

About Rachel

Dr Rachel Buchanan (Taranaki, Te Ātiawa) is a Māori historian who lives on Bunurong land in the western suburbs of Naarm/Melbourne. Rachel’s most recent book, Te Motunui Epa (2022) was a co-winner of the 2023 Ernest Scott Prize for History for distinguished historical writing that contributes to the history of Australia or New Zealand and the 2023 W.H. Oliver Prize for the best book on any aspect of New Zealand history.  Rachel was also a finalist in the inaugural Māori Literature Trust’s Keri Hulme Award and in the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards (illustrated non-fiction). Rachel has been a member of the Professional Historians Association for more than 15 years.

About the Wilson History Oration

The Wilson History Oration was established in memory of Dr Bill Wilson OAM (1942-2021). After retiring from a career in law enforcement, Bill forged a new career as a historian with an unwavering commitment to the PHA. Every year, PHA invite an eminent historian in their field to present the Wilson History Oration to PHA members across Australia.

March Historically Speaking sees us return to the Mission to Seafarers in Docklands for a maritime heritage-themed session.

On the Move? Towards a history of Melbourne's maritime heritage

Dr. Steven Cooke, former manager of the Melbourne Maritime Museum explores the history and geography of Melbourne’s maritime heritage. Through a biography of the museum site, he examines the debates about the future use and location of the Polly Woodside brought about by the continuing redevelopment of Melbourne’s South Wharf from the mid-1990s until today.  These contentious and often heated debates were shaped by different understandings of the ship's cultural significance, as well as ideas of community, ownership and sustainability, and which have wider implications for the management of maritime cultural heritage within a context of rapid urban change.

The session will begin at 6:30pm, with food and drinks from 6pm. Following the session you are invited to stay for a drink (at bar prices) in the secret garden, an oasis in the rapidly developing Docklands. A perfect way to reconnect with colleagues, unwind and help support the great work of Mission to Seafarers.

• Members $3 / $5 (with pizza) 
• Non-members $6 / $10 (with pizza) 
• Please RSVP mail@phavic.org.au (please indicate if you are having pizza)

Speaker Bio:

Dr Steven Cooke is the Course Director of the Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies programs at Deakin University.  He spent 10 years working in the heritage sector in Melbourne, including at the Melbourne Maritime Museum, home of the Polly Woodside and the Shrine of Remembrance. He has published widely on heritage and urban redevelopment, and the memorial landscapes of war and genocide.