Due to government and institutional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, professional historians are experiencing dramatic changes to how we work and socialise. As we learn to negotiate these social challenges, there are persisting economic demands, such as mortgage repayments, food and utility costs, all of which demand our professional lives continue. In response, I have established a series of dedicated Shut Up and Write/Create sessions online.

A core difference between this model and others in existence is that these Shut Up and Write/Create sessions recognise we are now attempting to negotiate work from our households. These spaces may include housemates, parents, children, or a yodelling Border Collie dog. There is the understanding of some sessions maybe a little less structured than others. Also, these sessions are designed to warmly welcome individuals not just writing history but creating history, be it artwork, a musical score, choreography planning, and so forth.

Shut Up and Write /Create sessions are run online with Webex.

• Mondays, 2.30-4.30 pm (AEST)
• Wednesdays, 9 am to 11 am (AEST)
• Thursdays, 8 pm to 10 pm (AEST)

Click HERE for further information.

You don’t need to sign up for a Webex Account to join a meeting, but you do need an invitation! Please contact me with your email address to receive an invitation to the session. 

The HCV is governed by its Rules. These were most recently revised in November 2016. 

The HCV's financial year runs from July to June and its programs are delivered in the calendar year.

The HCV is: 

• incorporated as an association in Victoria in 2003 (Association Registration Number: A0045117K)

• registered as an Australian business (ABN 29 687 468 421) and for the Goods and Services Tax

• registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

• listed on the Australian government’s Register of Cultural Organisations and recognised as a Deductible Gift Recipient by the Australian Taxation Office
  
  

The Association is established for public charitable purposes of promoting the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of written literature, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, oral history, film and other art forms that have historical content or significance by, without limitation:

• promoting the writing and protection of historical literature;

• raising the profile of literature and media with historical content at all levels of government and throughout the community to strengthen recognition of history in policy and practice;

• facilitating communication and cooperation between the History Council’s constituent organisations in the interests of promoting public awareness of historical culture;

• undertaking lectures, seminars and other activities that encourage access to historical literature, artefacts, film and other art forms;

• facilitating co-ordination between the various organisations involved in writing historical literature and the teaching of history in schools;

• advising on appropriate information, communication and referral procedures for individuals and organisations in the history community;

• promoting art forms based on, or inspired by, Victoria’s history;

• promoting awareness of and encouraging research into the historical culture of Victoria’s diverse populations;

• increasing support to history teachers and students, particularly in regional and rural areas;

• increasing support and resources for history from a wide range of government, community and business sources through direct representation, cultural activities, awards, promotions and exhibitions;

• exploring and advising on ways of improving the knowledge base of teachers of history through use of historical literature and other media; and

• promoting the study and display of movable cultural heritage.  

Our strategic goals

A.   Champion the pursuit of history so that more students develop a life-long interest in history

B.   Advocate history as a key context for current decision making, attitudes and action so that communities receive early warning of issues, avoid repeating mistakes of the past, and are alerted to positive lessons from history

C.   Increase public engagement with history so that audiences and users benefit from fresh insights and relevant information

D.   Be the hub for history in Victoria: an effective and professional portal linking relevant organisations, programs, information and activities so that the public can confidently access historians and historical resources, and the history sector is strengthened by networking and cooperation

E.   Govern the HCV ethically, efficiently and effectively so that the association becomes stronger and more sustainable

March is Women's History Month!

This Women's History Month calendar lists public events that relate to women's history. Each event is located in Victoria, Australia, and is scheduled to occur during the month of March. The events are hosted by a range of organisations - government, academic, professional and community-based - in the history sector.

If you are organising an event in Victoria during March 2021, and if it relates to Women's History, you are welcome to publicise it here. Please consider carefully whether face-to-face events are viable in your community. Then click on the 'Host your own event' button at the foot of this page to get started. Please note that there may be a delay of up to 48 hours (for moderation) before your event becomes visible on the website.

The concept of Women's History Month was revived by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria during 2019 with support from several interested organisations. This calendar is hosted by the History Council of Victoria.

To inspire your planning for 2021, take a look at what was offered in March 2020.

The 2019 Making Public Histories seminar series was presented as a joint initiative of Monash University, the Old Treasury Building and the History Council of Victoria.

The series was generously supported by the three partner organisations and sponsored by the School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies at Monash University. Gifts for the speakers were kindly donated by Monash University Publishing.

Here is an outline of the seminars:

Tuesday 12 March 2019

On 16 March 2020, the Making Public Histories committee announced, with regret, the cancellation of this seminar as it had been scheduled.

The Old Treasury Building, the magnificent host venue, is closed to the public until further notice.

All booked participants will be advised by email. The seminar may be rescheduled at a later date, or communicated in other ways.

To stay informed about future events, please subscribe to the E-news bulletin of the History Council of Victoria.

While maintaining 'social distance' during these challenging times, please read more history! You can shop online from Monash University Publishing, generous sponsor of the seminar series.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Here is the information about the event as it had been planned for 12 May 2020:

In recognition of 2020 as the UN International Year of Plant Health, this seminar will illuminate the challenging and contested past, present and future of Victoria’s native vegetation.

Professional historian Dr Gary Presland, author of many books about Victoria’s natural and human heritage (including Understanding our natural world: the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria 1880-2015) will speak about the importance of native vegetation in understanding past human activity.

Professor Mike Clarke from the Centre for Future Landscapes at La Trobe University will consider the place of fire in the history of Victoria’s vegetation: 'The Bush will be OK, it’s evolved to cope with fire…hasn’t it?'.

Dr Lilian Pearce, a research fellow on the ARC-funded project Owning nature: mapping the contested country of private protected areas and a member of the Landscape Reference Group with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), will consider the changing role of history in contemporary environmental management activities.

This seminar contributes to the 2020 Australian Heritage Festival for which the theme is ‘Our Heritage for the Future’. The discussion will be chaired by Professor Alistair Thomson of Monash University.

The seminar is part of an ongoing series, Making Public Histories, that is offered jointly by the Monash University History Program, the History Council of Victoria and the Old Treasury Building. Each seminar aims to explore issues and approaches in making public histories. The seminars are open, free of charge, to anyone interested in the creation and impact of history in contemporary society. Click HERE to learn about other events in the series.

We thank the series sponsors, Monash University Publishing, the Monash University History Program and the Old Treasury Building:

and the organising partners:

The study of the past and telling its stories are critical to our sense of belonging, to our communities and to our shared future.

History shapes our identities, engages us as citizens, creates inclusive communities, is part of our economic well-being, teaches us to think critically and creatively, inspires leaders and is the foundation of our future generations.

Identity
History nurtures identity in a world characterised by difference and change. History enables people to discover their own place in stories of families, communities, First Peoples, and nations—individuals and groups who have shaped the world in which they live. There are stories of freedom and oppression, justice and inequity, war and peace, endurance and achievement, courage and tenacity. Through these varied stories, the systems of personal and community values that guide approaches to life and relationships with others are shaped.

Engaged citizens
History helps people craft solutions that meet community needs. At the heart of democracy are individual citizens who come together to express views and take action. Understanding the history of contemporary issues that confront our communities, nation and world can clarify misperceptions, reveal complexities, temper volatile viewpoints, and open people to new possibilities, leading to more effective solutions.

Strong communities
History lays the groundwork for strong, diverse and inclusive communities that are vital places to live and work. Communities are wrapped in human memory: Indigenous knowledge, family stories, oral histories, social customs, cultural collections, heritage and civic commemorations. These all strengthen our connections and commitment to one another. History supports a sense of community identity and place; and that in turn promotes social cohesion, individual and collective wellbeing, and resilience.

Economic development
History is a catalyst for economic growth. People are drawn to communities with a strong sense of historical identity, material heritage and character. Cultural heritage is a demonstrated economic asset and an essential component of any vibrant local economy, providing an infrastructure that attracts talent and enhances business development, including cultural tourism.

Critical skills
History teaches independent thinking and vital skills for the twenty-first century. Historical thinking requires critical approaches to evidence and argument and develops contextual understanding and historical perspective, encouraging meaningful engagement with concepts like continuity, change and causation, and the ability to interpret and communicate complex ideas clearly and coherently.

Leadership
History inspires leaders. It provides them with role models to meet complex challenges. Personal stories of leadership reveal how women and men met the challenges of their day and can give new leaders the courage and wisdom to confront the challenges of our time.

Legacy
History is the foundation for future generations. It is crucial to our future because it explains our shared past. When we preserve authentic, meaningful and significant stories, places, documents, images and artefacts, we leave a foundation upon which future Australians can build.

Call to action

We call on individuals and organisations in Australia to endorse, share, and use this statement on the value of history in contemporary life. With common agreement, commitment, and open conversation about why history is important, we believe the historical community can better articulate history’s critical role in the public sphere.

Endorsing this statement in principle, via your nearest History Council, is an initial step. See below for contact details. Look for the Value of History statement on these sites to see how you can show your support.

We encourage you to adapt and incorporate these ideas into projects, funding applications, training materials, mission statements, websites, marketing materials, submissions and other organisational outlets.

Further information

History Council of New South Wales

Email: admin@historycouncilnsw.org.au

Website: www.historycouncilnsw.org.au/value-of-history-statement

Facebook: @HistoryCouncilNSW

Twitter: @HistoryNSW 

History Council of South Australia

Email: secretary@historycouncilsa.org.au

Website: www.historycouncilsa.org.au

Facebook: @HistoryCouncilSA

Twitter: @history_sa

History Council of Victoria

Email: info@historycouncilvic.org.au

Website: www.historycouncilvic.org.au/value_of_history

Facebook: @HistoryCouncilVic

Twitter: @History_Vic

History Council of Western Australia

Email: office@historycouncilwa.org.au

Website: www.historycouncilwa.org.au/value-of-history

Facebook: @HistoryCouncilWA

Twitter: @WAHistccl

Our Australian 'Value of History' statement is adapted with permission from History Relevance, a campaign that started in the USA in 2012.

The 2018 Making Public Histories seminar series was presented as a joint initiative of Monash University, the Old Treasury Building and the History Council of Victoria.

The series was generously supported by the three partner organisations and sponsored by the School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies at Monash University. Gifts for the speakers were kindly donated by Old Treasury Building and Monash University Publishing.

Here is an outline of the seminars:

Tuesday 6 March 2018

Tuesday 8 May 2018

Material Culture: Stories from Objects

Presenters:
Sarah Hayes, Deakin University
Margaret Anderson, Old Treasury Building

Convenor:
Margaret Birtley, History Council of Victoria

Click HERE for further information.

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Wikipedia and history

Dr Mary Tomsic, The University of Melbourne 
Justine Clark, co-founder of Parlour; women, equity, architecture
Associate Professor Murray Phillips, The University of Queensland

Convenor:
Pru Mitchell, President of Wikimedia Australia

Click HERE for further information.

Tuesday 10 July 2018

Making Aboriginal histories

Presenters:
Alexandra Roginski, Australian National University
Dr Billy Griffiths, Deakin University
Dr Shannon Faulkhead, Museums Victoria and Monash University

Convenor:
Professor Lynette Russell FRHistS FASSA, Monash University

Click HERE for further information.

Tuesday 28 August 2018

History and Fiction

Presenters:
Dr Linda Weste, The University of Melbourne
Dr Kelly Gardiner, La Trobe University
Dr Ali Alidazeh, Monash University

Convenor:
Dr Kathleen Neal, Monash University

Click HERE for further information.

Tuesday 13 November 2018

Curating the Anzac Centenaries: War, Memory and the Museum

Presenters:
Jean McAuslan, Shrine of Remembrance
Deborah Tout-Smith, Museums Victoria

Convenor:
Professor Alistair Thomson, Monash University

Click HERE for further information.

2 March 2018

The History Council of Victoria (HCV) is pleased to advise that Australian Scholarly Publishing has released a history of state secondary schooling in Victoria by John Andrews and Deborah Towns.

The authors have prepared two separate publications:

• ‘A secondary education for all’?: A History of State Secondary Schooling in Victoria, and
  
  
• Unlocking the Past: What Stories Does Your School Have to Reveal?

The HCV commissioned the authors to write a centenary history of post-primary state education in Victoria, then provided support to Australian Scholarly for its publication. The resulting volumes were released in late February 2018 with a foreword by Dr Adrian Jones OAM, a former Chair of the HCV.

Australian Scholarly has kindly offered the HCV Friends a substantial discount on the recommended retail price for each book. The discounted prices ($30 and $16.50) include postage within Australia.

Use this order form to obtain your own copies of these two significant volumes.

Update, October 2018: This book won the 2018 Collaborative Community Award in the Victorian Community History Awards. The HCV congratulates the authors and the publisher on their fine achievement.