We believe in the value of history!

Studying our past and telling our stories is 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.

The History Councils of New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia have jointly adopted a statement about the Value of History.

Click HERE to endorse the statement via the History Council of Victoria's website.
(See below for other ways to endorse the statement.)

> To download the statement, click HERE for a PDF, or HERE for the Word version.

> To read the statement on a web page, click HERE.

> There's a wonderful suite of A3 poster designs for the statement, but the third-party link is temporarily out of order. 
    They are great for noticeboards, classrooms and Open Days! We will supply new link as soon as possible.

> To download the statement as an A4 PDF with this banner design, click HERE (or on the banner itself).

The four History Councils in Australia are independent membership associations. Each is the peak or coordinating body for history in its respective state. We work co-operatively to:

• Campaign for the recognition of history

• Share ideas about what makes the past relevant today

Click HERE to read our joint announcement about the Value of History statement at the annual meeting of the Australian Historical Association on 11 July 2019.

We call on individuals and organisations to endorse, share, and use this statement about the value of history in contemporary life. The ideas expressed in the statement can be incorporated into projects, funding applications, training materials, mission statements, websites, marketing materials, submissions and other organisational outlets.

We encourage all Australians to endorse the value of history. You can respond as an individual, or on behalf of an organisation.

Click HERE to endorse the statement via the History Council of Victoria!

Endorsements can also be made via the other History Councils:  New South Wales   South Australia   Western Australia

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

Each year, the History Council of Victoria presents a public lecture that shares fresh thinking and new evidence on an historical topic.

In 2021, Dr Carolyn Holbrook explored power and sentiment in the Australian Federation, with a lecture entitled:

‘I don’t hold a hose, mate’: Power and sentiment in the Australian Federation

Click HERE to read about the previous lectures presented since 2004 by the History Council of Victoria. 

The 17th Annual Lecture was presented on 8 October 2020 by Associate Professor Ruth Morgan of the Australian National University.

Further listening: Michael Mackenzie interviewed Ruth Morgan for Life Matters on ABC Radio National, 6 October 2020.