Historical Societies are a clearly identifiable and continuing presence in Australian communities and they can play a key role in locating and preserving the nation's heritage. To assist them in this significant task the Federation of Australian Historical Societies Inc (FAHS) has prepared this handbook to help local historical societies in that necessary task. It also sets out the government agencies, the laws and other community and professional organisations responsible for interpreting Australia's heritage. The aim of publishing the handbook is to advice historical societies on how they to can obtain assistance and guidelines in documenting, protecting and interpreting Australia's cultural heritage.
Many professionals working in the heritage area face the same problem of unravelling the bewildering number of government agencies and constantly changing laws relating to heritage. Historical societies are not alone and may have equal confidence with the architects, engineers and archaeologists that they are addressing the right issue with the right tools.
The FAHS has set out to assist historical societies members and give them confidence as significant community organisations in participating in debates over development and the establishment of heritage trails and technological networks of common interest.
This publication has been made possible using money provided under the Commonwealth Government's Grants to Environment and Heritage Organisations program.
Dr Ruth Kerr
President of FAHS
Acknowledgments
The author acknowledges assistance
from FAHS especially Gerard Hogan and Ruth Kerr and others such
as Lee Adendorff, Bob Alford, Peter Bell, Saffron Benner, Helen
Bennett, Murray Brown, Robert Bruce, Susan Carey, Michael Clarke,
Cathie Clement, Matthew Devine, Lynn Drew, David Dolan, Bob Ellis,
Alan Graham, Robin Gregory, Robin Grow, Jodie Gysen, Sue Harlow,
Michael Hodgkin, Bridgit Hutton, Jane Lennon, Elaine Lindsay,
Pauline Logan, Brian Long, Paul McInnes, Eric Martin, David Nutley,
Frances O'Neill, Geoffrey Pie, Bill Oliver, Taryn Peck, Ken Phelan,
Brian Samuels, Mary Sheehan, Berri Shelley, David Smith, John
Smith, Joy Souter, Stephanie Sparke, Graeme Ward, Jenni Williams
and many others who answered my e-mail inquiries.
Disclaimer
The text and web addresses for
this handbook have been written as accurately as possible on the
basis of evidence available at this time and the author and the
FAHS cannot accept responsibility for errors, changes or omissions.
Further information and updates would be appreciated.