What is local history?
In a narrow sense it is the study of a particular region’s past. The region in question usually tends to be geographically small, say a city, town, or region.
However local history can be much more than this. For instance, how many questions do you have regarding the people who pioneered your town or city?
- Would you like to know not only who they were but also what they looked like?
- Are you interested in learning about the type of house in which they lived?
- Are you curious about the lifestyle, employment and fashions of the time as well as the historical, social, economic and
geographical settings for that period of time?
The ever increasing number of people participating in this hobby is a testament to the rewards that can be gained from delving into your local history.
Where to start?
There are many ways to start. Most libraries document local history for the public and many have a special collection dedicated to the local history of their area, as well as providing useful guides and hints for furthering your knowledge.
Local history groups
Local history groups are another great means of discovery, not only for learning about your immediate area but for places as diverse as outback Australia to Austria, or from Sydney Town to Dublin City - and many places in between.
To find out about the local history group for your area contact the library or enquire at your local council or community centre. The links found on the site www.history.sa.gov.au will lead to a full list of historical societies in South Australia.
The History Trust of South Australia
A great resource! The Trust has many primary source materials and is committed to assisting organisations and individuals in all aspects of South Australian history, including administering a grants scheme.
The History Trust manages museums and encourages the community to enjoy, understand, preserve and benefit from South Australia’s rich and distinctive history. Contact the Trust on 8203 9888 or see what they have to offer by browsing their website at www.history.sa.gov.au
The Historical Society of South Australia (HSSA)
HSSA has been operating since 1974 and is open to everyone with an interest in history. Society members meet monthly to hear intriguing stories and colourful accounts of the state’s past from expert speakers ranging from professional historians to dedicated amateurs.
The Historical Society of South Australia
PO Box 519, Kent Town 5067
Tel. 8354 2736
www.hssa.org.au.
Local exhibitions and displays
For those with an interest in history but not enough time to attend regular group meetings, there are always exhibitions and displays to visit and historical activities in which to participate. Look in your local papers for details or contact your Council to ask about forthcoming events.
SA History Week
SA History week is held in the last week of May every year. The week includes special exhibitions, window displays, museum open days, seminars and historical walks.
Professional Historians Association
The Professional Historians Association promotes the skills and services of historians in South Australia.
Tel. 8411 0161
www.historians.org.au/sa.html.
Useful websites
Other useful websites are:
Department of Heritage and the Environment
The Department aims to identify, protect, conserve and promote State Heritage Places and Maritime Heritage within the context of relevant legislation - the Heritage Places Act 1993, the State Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981 and the Australian Government Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
Ground floor, 1 Richmond Road, Keswick
Tel. 8124 4960
www.environment.sa.gov.au
Ian Evans’ World of old houses
www.oldhouses.com.au
Australian Heritage Places Inventory
www.heritage.gov.au/ahpi
Australian National Shipwreck Database
eied.deh.gov.au
Australian Council of National Trusts
www.nationaltrust.org.au
www.nationaltrustsa.org.au
Placenames online (SA State Gazetteer)
www.placenames.sa.gov.au
