The History Council of NSW

I have sat on the Executive Committee since 2019, with previous stints on the General Council from 2012-2013 and 2017-2019. Read more here.

About

The History Council of New South Wales (HCNSW) was established in 1995.  It is a not-for-profit membership association, and a registered charity.  It is supported by Create NSW through an annual grant under the Arts & Cultural Development Program, and through partnerships with large cultural organisations. The HCNSW is guided by the rules of its Constitution.  Its work is guided by a General Council that is elected from and by the membership.

Vision

The HCNSW aims to ensure that history, in all its diverse forms, is an important part of the cultural life of the people and communities of NSW. We provide programs and services, which aim to build capacity within the history sector and showcase the importance of history. We focus on five key areas: awareness, diversity, excellence, advocacy and outreach.

Our objectives are to:

  • provide a forum for identifying and responding to issues of relevance to the practice of history

  • support history’s role in informing and shaping public debate, policy and future planning

  • recognise the diversity of historical perspectives, including those of Indigenous peoples, and encourage excellence in historical practice

  • facilitate communication within the history community and provide opportunities for collaboration

  • provide professional development activities and opportunities for our members and audiences across NSW.

Value of History Statement

On 3 September 2019, Dr Stephen Gapps, President of the History Council of NSW, launched the Value of History Statement in New South Wales and called for its endorsement.  This follows the national announcement by the four History Councils of NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria at the annual meeting of the Australian Historical Association held in Toowoomba on July 11.

The statement emphasises the value of studying the past and telling its stories.

The Value of History statement focuses on seven ways in which history is essential, through:

  • shaping our identities,

  • engaging us as citizens,

  • creating inclusive communities,

  • contributing to our economic well-being,

  • teaching us to think critically and creatively,

  • inspiring our leaders, and

  • providing a foundation for future generations.

The History Councils call on individuals and organisations in Australia 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.

Dr Stephen Gapps said: ‘With common agreement, commitment, and open conversation about why history is important, we believe the historical community can change perceptions of the value of history and articulate its important role in the public sphere.’

Each History Council is the peak body for organisations focused on history and heritage in their respective states. The four Australian History Councils have worked cooperatively to create the Value of History Statement for all Australians to use.

The Value of History Statement can be endorsed in NSW on the HCNSW site.