Your Summer of History Events in Melbourne and Victoria

Are you looking to escape the heat, cold, rain or wind in Melbourne this summer? Or perhaps you’re hosting visitors interested in learning more about Victoria’s history? Check out the following (mostly free) history-themed events coming in December - January 2025.

The Victorian Archives Centre (99 Shiel Street, North Melbourne)

Focus

A travelling exhibition from the National Archives of Australia showcasing the work of Australia’s government photographers and how they captured Australian life between 1939-96.

The Old Treasury Building (Spring Street, Melbourne)

Belongings: objects of a family life

This exhibition looks at the stories behind some of the objects that have shaped the family in Australia over the decades. The exhibition considers how families make and preserve cultural traditions through craft, food, and belief.

Protest Melbourne

This exhibition captures Melbourne’s protest movements through its history. It features early protests for political rights for women, First National people, and the LGBTQIA+ community; marches from workers demanding better conditions, the issue of conscription; and more recent, the spectre of climate change.

Yarra: Stories of Melbourne’s River

The exhibition takes us through the history of the Yarra: from ancient watercourse to the city-lit river we know and love today.

Women Work for Victory in WWII

Discover the roles of women on the home front during the Second World War. Women Work for Victory is an important reminder of the contribution played by women across Australian society in the cause of an Allied victory.

A Nation Divided: The Great War and Conscription

Debate over conscription during the Great War is described by some historians as the most bitter, divisive and violent ever to consume the nation.

Melbourne: Foundations of a City

From bucolic village to bustling metropolis in forty years – this exhibition tells the story of the astonishing growth of Melbourne.

Growing up in Old Treasury

Experience the lives of John Maynard (the Old Treasury’s caretaker), his wife and their eight children who lived in the Old Treasury Building from 1916-1928.

The Gold Vaults

See the Old Treasury Building vaults which were used to store the gold bullion mined during the gold rush. Includes the restored and re-installed historic photographic panorama, one of the most fascinating and popular interpretative features on display at the Old Treasury Building.

The State Library of Victoria (La Trobe and Swanston Streets, Melbourne)

Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis

Rennie Ellis had an uncanny ability to slip into all kinds of social circles and his photographs are the ultimate story of life on the town.​ Melbourne Out Loud is a collection of iconic, unseen and everyday photographs from one of our greatest chroniclers. A celebration of going out, being seen and being yourself.

 World of the Book 2024

World of the Book features more than 300 rare, remarkable, historically significant items in the State Collection, uncovering the unique stories they tell and celebrating the unique place books have in our hearts and minds.

Treaty

Understand the past, present and future of Treaty with Victoria’s First Peoples. In this exhibition, explore a historic collection of items related to the first and only known claim to ‘treaty’ in Australia, the Batman Treaty.

National Trust of Victoria: Christmas at Como House (South Yarra)

Step back in time and experience the magic of a traditional 1880s Christmas at Como House. Wander through the beautifully decorated rooms, each brimming with festive charm, and immerse yourself in the Christmas preparations of a grand 1880s household.

 Gingerbread House Decorating Class

When: Sunday 1, 8 and 21 December (two classes per day)

Cost: $55, with all materials and equipment provided

Step into the festive spirit with a Gingerbread House Decorating Class in the historic Como Ballroom. Hosted by Paint With Me Northcote, this joyful workshop is perfect for creating festive memories with family and friends and a gingerbread house that looks like they do on Instagram.

Sustainable Wreath Making Classes

When: One class per day from 14-17 December from 12:30 – 2 pm

Cost: $200 (bookings essential up to 7 days before session)

 Como House Christmas Market by Rose Street

When: 8 December, 10 am to 3 pm

Cost: Gold coin

An inspiring market atmosphere and products ranging from artworks, jewellery, clothing, homewares, homegrown goods and much more. A perfect opportunity to get a start on your Christmas shopping.

Royal Exhibition Building (Carlton)

Tour of the Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade and Devonshire Tea

When: Most days from 19 – 31 December at 10 am

Bookings essential. (you can also book a tour without the Devonshire Tea after 15 January)

With its origins steeped in history, the Royal Exhibition Building was built for the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. As a key attraction of the 1880 and 1888 international exhibitions, the Dome Promenade provided visitors a unique opportunity to overlook the gardens and view the Melbourne skyline.

Ballarat

Medieval to Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar

 Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street, until 2 February 2025

The far-reaching collection of classical to contemporary works on display track the history of the world’s most popular instrument from its medieval beginnings through to the guitar’s pivotal role in blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Phillip Island

Philip Island Model Railway Exhibition

Where: Cowes Senior Citizens' Club, 6 Lions Court, Cowes, Victoria, 3922

When: 18 – 19 January

The Philip Island Model Railway Exhibition is an annual show that highlights the many complex aspects of building and running a miniature world where trains dominate. Railway modelling is an activity with a huge number of facets to allow anyone to join in and be part of the team.

PHA (Vic & Tas) submission to Significance 2.0 revision

In May 2024, the Australian Government called for feedback on a refreshment of Significance 2.0: a guide to assessing the significance of collections. Significance 2.0 is widely used in Australia to help guide policies and processes in the Gallery, Library, Archive and Museum sectors. Last updated in 2009, the Government sought feedback on the significance assessment framework, how it should be documented, terminology and other important aspects of the guide.

Read PHA (Vic & Tas)’s submission on suggested improvements to the criteria.

PHA (Vic & Tas) contributes to the Victorian Government's Creative State Consultation

The Victorian State Government is seeking feedback and thoughts on how it can better support the arts and creative sector. Led by the Advocacy Committee, PHA (Vic & Tas) has contributed this submission for the Government’s next Creative Strategy. It describes the important place of history and historians to shaping the future of how the GLAM/creative sector is valued in Victoria.

PHA (Vic & Tas) supports the appointment of a City of Melbourne Historian

Royal arcade, melbourne

The City of Melbourne’s discussion paper, ‘Heritage, People and Place’ proposes the appointment of a permanent Historian.

PHA (Vic & Tas) recently wrote to the City of Melbourne in support of this proposal. The letter of support suggested a historian can:

• discover the stories and voices from our past, including Melbourne’s rich Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung history and heritage;

• inform, interpret and advise on historical sites to help the City develop and prosper in a way which incorporates its valued history and heritage.

Read more in the Submission.

Help Save the Local History Grants and Community History Awards from defunding

Flinders street station, melbourne c.1950

The Local History Grants Program and Community History Awards are AGAIN in danger of being defunded. 

We strongly encourage PHA (Vic & Tas) members to send a letter to Minister for Government Services, the Honourable Gabrielle Williams and their local Member.

We particularly encourage members who have won or been shortlisted for the Community History Awards, or who have been employed using Local History Grants funds to personalise the letter template we have prepared with your own experience of the value of these programs. We also encourage you to reach out to the organisations you have worked with and encourage them to also write in support of these schemes.

These programs are vital to the health of community history. They also create a space which employs professional historians. This is your opportunity to shape the environment that employs you.

Further information about the RHSV campaign.

UPDATE AUGUST 2024: The Campaign managed to secure funding for another year but not agreement to continue indefinitely.

PHA (Vic & Tas) protests the abolition of the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC)

On behalf of PHA (Vic & Tas) members, President Sophie Couchman wrote to the Minister for Government Services to advocate for the retention of the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC).

As historians, we all recognise the immeasurable value of the Victorian Public Records Office and how its collections have been retained, safe-guarded or discovered because of the Public Records Advisory Council.

The Government’s decision to abolish PRAC undermines the purpose of the Public Records Act by removing the expertise of professionals from the crucial decision-making processes relating to Victoria’s government records.

Click here to read the full letter.

UPDATE AUGUST 2024: The Campaign was a success! PRAC has not been abolished. There will be positions advertised in the future to sit on this Committee and we encourage our members to apply for these to ensure the needs of professional historians are represented.

PHA (Vic & Tas) submission to Heritage Victoria's 'Future directions of the Victorian Heritage Register'

PHA (Vic & Tas) has welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback to Heritage Victoria on the current Victorian Heritage Register (VHR), via their survey ‘Future directions of the Victorian Heritage Register’ and to submit proposals for an updated, accurate and more socially and culturally inclusive heritage database.

Our submission (which can be read in full here) highlights our concerns with the VHR as it currently stands, and ways we believe it can be improved, including comments on:  the Framework of Historic Themes; the limitations of time and budgetary constraints which undermine good scholarship; the need for qualified historians and heritage professionals to be employed in writing citations and statements; the site management role of the Register and consequent planning or legal disputes which may arise from inadequate or inaccurate historical information.

We also encourage members to provide their own feedback. Submissions close on the 17 December 2023.

Thanks to Sonia Jennings, Lucy Bracey and Kimberley Meagher (National Advocacy Sub Committee) and members Dr James Lesh and Dr Sue Silberberg for their work preparing this submission.

Opposition to proposed cuts at the Australian Catholic University

Professional Historians Australia is deeply concerned and strongly opposed to the cuts being made in the humanities discipline by the Australian Catholic University.

The dismantling of institutes focusing on history and philosophy, as well as the reduction in academic teaching positions not only does a disservice to the University’s international standing, it also undermines the importance of the humanities, particularly history, at a time when historical enquiry and interpretation is crucial to Australian society.

Education is about more than getting a paid job. It is also a process that helps individuals make sense of the world. Studying history offers insights into the present. Equally important is the role of history in telling the national story. History that is relevant and engaging enhances a nation’s sense of identity and can foster informed participation in civil society and democracy.

At a time when evolving AI technologies are profoundly changing the very nature of 'evidence' and 'truth', history is a practice grounded in empirical sources, from hard-copy manuscripts and artworks, to one-on-one oral histories and visiting cultural landscapes. Historians are expressly trained to critically assess and balance these sources, shaping verifiable narratives of the past for today's citizens.

PHA represents over 500 professionally accredited historians across all Australian states and territories, who work in libraries, archives, local councils, museums and art galleries, the public services, universities and the media, as employees, sole traders and consultants. Many professional historians are graduates of the Australian Catholic University. They come to our profession with high standards of ethics and skills to research and write histories for diverse audiences.

We concur with the comments made by Professor Frank Bongiorno in the statement from the Australian Historical Association, in noting that ‘these cuts are deeply harmful to Australians’ capacity to ‘understand the world we live in’ and ‘create the best possible future’ to quote the stated aims of ACU’s own National School of Arts and Humanities.

PHA endorses the Value of History Statement published by Australia’s history councils. The statement emphasises the value of studying the past and telling its stories.

PHA encourages all members to sign and share the online petition at change.org.

PHA (Vic & Tas) supports this statement from Professional Historians Australia.

PHA (Vic & Tas) supports the PHA's statement on 'Yes' to the Voice to Parliament

Professional Historians Australia wishes to publicly support voting 'Yes' in the forthcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.

As professional historians we are aware of the numerous times since the start of colonisation that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples have called on government authorities and non-Indigenous Australians to respect their sovereign rights, and how they have been ignored. We believe we need to listen and pay true heed to the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including acknowledging their divergent views on this issue.

We know that the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ is not just about the Voice, but also about Treaty and Truth-telling.

Beyond the referendum, much work will still be required to ensure the differing needs and requests of communities are met. Professional Historians Australia looks forward to playing what role it can in supporting and engaging with these endeavours.

While acknowledging the right of our members to have their own independent views on this matter, support for a ‘Yes’ vote, support for fulfilling the recommendations outlined in the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ and Truth-telling are in-line with and reflect the values and ethos of our association.

We urge all Australians to listen, think and learn about the significance of this upcoming referendum.

‘YES’ to the Voice to Parliament

The Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania) wishes to publicly support voting 'Yes' in the forthcoming Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.

On 26 April 2021 the PHA (Vic & Tas) urged the government to move forward with the recommendations of the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’. The first of these was the creation of a 'Voice to Parliament' enshrined in the Australian Constitution which requires a referendum.

As historians we are aware of the numerous times since the start of colonisation that Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples have called on government authorities and non-Indigenous Australians to respect their sovereign rights, and how they have been ignored. We believe we need to listen and pay true heed to the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including acknowledging their divergent views on this issue.

We know that the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ is not just about the Voice, but also about Treaty and Truth-telling. Beyond the referendum, much work will still be required to ensure the differing needs and requests of communities are met. We are aware of our own profession’s role in silencing and ignoring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We have encouraged our members to add their name to the ‘History is Calling’ open letter, while acknowledging the right of members to have their own independent views on this matter.

Dr Sophie Couchman
President, on behalf of
PHA (Vic & Tas) Committee of Management and the Advocacy Sub Committee

Sign the petition to save Trove #FULLYFUNDTROVE

Professional Historians Australia dispatched a Call to Action to members around the nation and encourage you to share with your networks, friends and family.

What can you do?

Sign a petition:

Victorian PHA member Peter Symons has set up a petition on Change.org which was endorsed by Senator Hanson Young. There are also several other official petitions lodged with Parliament, this one currently has the most signatures: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN4747. Senator Hanson Young tabled the Change.org petition in the Senate on 8 February 2023.

Write to your representative:

The advocacy sub-committee has prepared a pro-forma letter and a link to the list of contact details for relevant MPs stating we encourage all members to draw on to promote the work that professional historians do and emphasis why we need securely funded cultural institutions and tools like Trove in the lead up to the May budget. Personalise your letter and explain why Trove matters to you.

Join the advocacy sub-committee:

If you would like to help out with campaigns like this, please contact Professional Historians Australia at admin@historians.org.au

SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Spread the word on social media, among friends and colleagues. Use the tag #FullyFundTrove. Make sure you include the link to the petition and tell your story of why Trove is important to you.

Here are a few links to some great actions and initiatives from others you can also share on social media:

• Dr Monique Ryan MP speaking about Trove in Parliament

• Australia Libraries and Information Association (ALIA)

• Federation of Australian Historical Societies (FAHS)

• Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG)

PHA (Vic & Tas) member's Trove petition tabled in the Senate

Professional Historians Association (Vic & Tas) member Peter Symons's petition to save Trove was tabled in the Senate by Senator Hanson Young on 8 February 2023.

Peter set up the Change.org petition requesting the Government to Fully Fund Trove one month ago and it has amassed nearly 30,000 signatures.

You can read about the campaign and sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/fully-fund-trove

Additionally, Peter also set up an official parliamentary e-petition closing on 22 February 2023, which you should also sign, be sure to confirm the verification email to make your signature count.

Professional Historians Australia supported by PHA (Vic & Tas) Advocacy Subcommittee is preparing a call to action for members to save Trove, stay tuned for further information in your inbox.

National Cultural Policy Submission

PHA (Vic & Tas) has added its voice to the diverse chorus of the Australian arts, entertainment and cultural sector seeking to help shape the National Cultural Policy. Read our statement here. To read all the public submissions scroll this webpage <https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policy> to the formal submissions.

Read our statement HERE.

Statement: Crowther Reinterpreted

PHA (Vic and Tas) acknowledge the pain and suffering caused to the palawa by the statue of Dr WL Crowther in Franklin Square, primarily due to Crowther’s involvement in the removal, dissection and mutilation of the remains of William Lanne. 

PHA (Vic & Tas) strongly believe that the reinterpretation of the statue, whether that be through its removal, replacement or alteration, should be led by palawa voices. Throughout Australia white elites have used statues in an attempt to re-image an Aboriginal landscape as European. Being led by palawa voices would allow for a redress in the way that history, which has glorified white male power and privilege, has been told and memorialised in the past. 

We do feel that the statue is a cultural artefact of the past and it should be preserved – if not in situ, in a safe repository such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It would provide an opportunity to educate the public about past injustices and contribute to truth telling. Whether removal, replacement or alteration of the statue happens, having a permanent installation or marker at the site that explains why it was removed, or adding new plaques or a counter-monument to the existing statue that reflect palawa voices and present a counter-history will ensure that the past, however painful, is not forgotten. 

We acknowledge that this statement does not represent the views of all of our members.

Call to action against ABC news library staff cuts

Professional Historians Australia with state and territory branches have released a joint statement objecting the proposed job cuts affecting specialist content management staff at the ABC. The Statement can be read here.

PHA (Vic & Tas) members are encouraged to email local members to express concerns on the impacts that these proposed redundancies will have on Australia's history and culture.

PHA (Vic & Tas) Events Calendar 2022

The PHA (Vic & Tas) Committee of Management is very excited to launch the PHA (Vic & Tas) calendar for 2022. 

The Events team have pulled together a fabulous range of professional development events, masterclasses and skill sharing sessions for members to participate in over the next 12 months.

 Keep a look out for:

• events in Melbourne and Bendigo

• three masterclasses

• NEW! online monthly skills sharing sessions

• details on Tasmanian monthly lunch time sessions

• our favourite annual events: Emerging Historians and the AGM

Wishing our members a wonderful year in history, and we’re looking forward to seeing you at one of our next events.

Vale Professor Stuart Macintyre AO

Professor Stuart Macintyre AO Photo courtesy of MUP

Vale Professor Stuart Macintyre AO (1947-2021)

The Professional Historians Association (Vic & Tas) was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Professor Stuart Macintyre AO.

Many of our members are graduates of the University of Melbourne and had the good fortune to study history there under Stuart Macintyre. His enthusiasm, encouragement, and generosity as a tutor, lecturer, and supervisor fostered the careers of many professional historians.

Stuart’s connection with PHA (Vic & Tas) remained a strong one over many years. When the PHA was established in Victoria in the early 1990s, he was often called on, as a highly-respected historian, to check the credentials of prospective members. In later years Stuart was a popular speaker at our annual dinners and other events. One member recalls his participation on a steering committee for a commissioned history and his dogged support for independent scholarship (against the political forces of the time).

Professor Stuart Macintyre AO is a great loss to the wider history community. We acknowledge his work outside the academy, not only with the Heritage Council of Victoria, but also through his engagement with many history organisations and public history projects.

PHA (Vic & Tas) sends heartfelt condolences to the family and many friends of Stuart Macintyre, a great historian of our time.

Committee of Management Statement relating to the education curriculum

The PHA (Vic & Tas) values and advocates for a considered approach to the teaching of history and seeks a similar consensus from the forthcoming meeting of Education Ministers. Read our full statement. You can read our statement here.

CALL TO ACTION: PHA (Vic & Tas) Submission to Uluru Statement from the Heart

Update (30/4/21) : The Advocacy Sub Committee received valuable feedback from members concerning the PHA (Vic & Tas) submission paper. We have revised our submission in response to this feedback. We acknowledge that this statement does not represent the views of all of our members.

The PHA (Vic & Tas) Advocacy Sub Committee has prepared a submission outlining our support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. You can read our statement here.

Members are encouraged to consider making their own submission, there is ample guidance online including the support kit and the Interim Voice report.

Submissions are due this Friday 30 April 2021 and should be lodged via this web link: https://haveyoursay.voice.niaa.gov.au/

With thanks to the Advocacy Sub Committee: Michelle Blake, Lucy Bracey, Donna Fearne, Sonia Jennings and Elizabeth Offer and all those who responded to our call for feedback.

Kimberley Meagher, President