Guest blog: Mon Galvin
Miles Historical Village
Lyn Holgate and I attended the Q ANZAC 100 Heritage Leaders Workshop- "Creating a Legacy" in Brisbane 11 – 13 May, along with 150 other Queenslanders and interstate folk.
Panellists L- R: Bronwyn Davies, Phil Manning, Dr Jo Wills, Dr Matt Finch share their understanding and experience of Local stories: Community in First World War projects. 2016 Heritage Leaders Workshop. Photo State Library of Queensland.
The introduction by keynote speaker Professor Bruce Scates was a new perspective on the common war stories. He challenged each of us to consider how our service men and women brought the war home and what was the cost of that conflict to our entire community? His address evoked raw emotion.
This was the first of many tools we experienced, discussed and shared in order to enrich the way we present our stories and collections. Very simple, but incredibly evocative.
Community projects were showcased.…
- how something as simple as a pair of knitted socks triggered a real community war story that started in Charters Towers;
- how an area such as Stradbroke Island became the location for a mental asylum for returned soldiers, and how the community worked to survive;
- a dramatic presentation based on one woman’s understanding of her dad, her relationship with him and the silence about his experiences of war – the aural telling was so strong;
- how a Qld Music Festival event grew, involving so many bands, choirs, and an orchestra ... local and big-time musos joining forces to perform at Townsville Barracks where it was so warmly embraced.
We can connect the past with the present. We have so many tools available...State Library, National Archives, State Archives and a huge group of museums with similar goals to our own, and real items and technology to bring them to the forefront in our stories. Just reach out and ask... the knowledge is there to help us on the journey. A shared responsibility and relevance across community, council, education and tourism to get your community to fall in love with the past and to care for it into the future.
A warm welcome to Dogwood Crossing, Miles. Photo by Miles Historical Village, 2016.
More messages that resonated…
Allow the younger generation to tap into their personal passion and create and design and present their own interpretation of history. Eg. Auckland Museum, New Zealand, collaborated with students to create a map of Gallipoli using Minecraft!
Put FUN into the hands-on! Dr Matt Finch demonstrated his creative approach in the workshop "Keep Banging the Rocks Together". We got the message with lots of laughter. He was so infectious we invited Matt to visit us in Miles!
Sure… we get that there are so many technology-driven options available ....social media, blogging, websites, online courses, and people using the technology who are willing to share 'the how, where and what'. With thorough research, your online presence can have CREDIBILITY; your audience can step into the history, experience the real objects and take it further because they trust your work and value it.
L – R Mon and Lyn thank everyone for the information shared at the 2016 Heritage Leaders Workshop. Photo by Miles Historical Village, 2016.
I was pleasantly surprised to see such a broad cross-section of presenters and participants. Put that into the scenario of Queensland cities, towns, islands and communities, and the representation and scope was wonderful. We got to chat with many other folk and see how they connect with their history and stories. State Library put on the show, but the workshops gave us the opportunity to access them freely, and learn from others. It was a privilege to be a part of this amazing group of people at the workshops. They, just like us, care and wish to share, preserve and carry forward the stories about our folk that make up Queensland .
Thanks
Mon Galvin and Lyn Holgate,
Miles Historical Village
Associated links:
Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a new generation - bringing our shared history to life and creating a renewed legacy for future generations, State Library of Queensland.
Heritage Leaders Workshops - audio (Sessions - 2014 and 2016 coming)
Jim’s story and a pair of unfinished socks in Charters Towers - Queensland Museum Development Officer - Ewen McPhee blogs
My Father’s Wars - Elaine Acworth, Q ANZAC 100 Fellow (2015 - 16) shares the story of her own father.
Under the skin: Q ANZAC 100 Fellows (2014 – 2015) discuss their research
One Hundred & One Years (1914-2015), Queensland Music Festival, Jezzine Barracks, Kissing Point, Townsville – July 2015.
Contact QANZAC100@slq.qld.gov.au for more information on any of the links above.
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