The RAHS wishes all its members and friends a Happy Christmas and a safe holiday season. Thank you for your support throughout 2025.
History House will be closed from 12:00 pm on Friday, 19 December 2025, and will reopen at 9:00 am on Monday, 5 January 2026. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
In November, we shared the results of our 2025 Affiliated Societies Survey, which captured the experiences of the many historical organisations within our network.
This second survey focuses on a different part of our community: our individual members, including seniors, pensioners, households and students. This survey offers a complementary set of insights into how we can continue to support their interests, learning and research.
Thank you to all our members who took part in this survey. You provided us with a thoughtful picture of your interest in history, what you value, and how you engage with RAHS programs and services. Your feedback will help guide our planning as we prepare for the Society’s 125th anniversary in 2026 and also in the development of the 2026–2030 RAHS Strategic Plan.
Our membership is a committed and knowledgeable community with a strong interest in Australian and NSW history. Many members contribute actively through research, writing, publishing and community engagement.
Members join the RAHS for two main reasons: to enjoy the benefits of being part of an active history community, and to support the work that keeps the Society and its resources thriving.
Members are drawn to the RAHS for many reasons, but a shared passion for Australian and NSW history sits at the centre. For many, membership offers the chance to be part of a community that values history and enjoys exploring it together. Publications such as History magazine and the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society remain key attractions, along with the RAHS eNewsletter, which keeps members connected to what is happening across the RAHS, the wider history and heritage sector, our affiliated societies and the broader community. Members also value the opportunities to learn through events, talks and seminars, which provide regular ways to engage with new research, ideas and perspectives.
Many members also choose to join because they want to support the Society’s wider goals. Membership contributions help sustain History House as a welcoming centre for history, learning and connection. They also support the RAHS Library, with its nationally significant collections. In this way, members play an essential role in ensuring that the RAHS continues to provide places, expertise and resources that support historical research and promote the understanding of Australian History – our core goal since 1901.
As we look to the years ahead, your feedback will guide our work. We will continue to improve access to our collections and resources, offer flexible ways to learn and take part in RAHS activities, and care for History House as a place that supports historical research, the sharing of history and the work of our members. We will also explore new opportunities to connect people with the history of NSW, while continuing the purpose that has guided our work since 1901.
If you have any comments or additional feedback about the survey, please contact us on 02 9247 8001 or email us at history@rahs.org.au.
RAHS Affiliated Societies are critical in promoting local and community history. The RAHS Certificates of Achievement honour the wide-ranging contributions made by their members.
Nominated by Australian Catholic Historical Society
Geoffrey Hogan
For his dedication to the Society since 2006. Geoff has served as Vice President and Newsletter Editor, developed an email newsletter for the Society’s members, monitored the Society’s email account and queries, and along with Lesley Hughes, co-developed the Society’s New Constitution. His experiences, organisational and leadership skills have been of major benefit during challenging periods. His support, wisdom and advice during his long service are greatly valued and appreciated.
Lesley Hughes
For her invaluable contribution to the Society since 2004. Lesley has held several positions, including Secretary, Treasurer and currently Vice President. Currently involved in writing the Society’s history, she co-developed with Geoffrey Hogan the Society’s New Constitution and undertook the administration of the James MacGinley History Award. She has a significant publication record in the area of Catholic welfare work. Lesley’s wisdom, experience and support of the Society have been consistent throughout her long service.
Nominated by Ku-ring-gai Historical Society
Annet Latham
For her significant contributions to the Society since 2006. Annet holds executive positions within the Society, including Treasurer and Membership Officer. She has previously held positions of Acting Treasurer and Vice President. Annet’s attention to detail has had a lasting impact on the Society’s finances and membership. Her organisational skills with events, projects and assistance to members and visitors help strengthen the sense of community within the Society. The Society holds Annet in the highest regard and appreciates her achievements, guidance, service and support.
Nominated by Mosman Historical Society
Pam Lofthouse
For her involvement and significant contributions to the Society for over twenty years. Pam has served as Newsletter Editor and Research Officer. Recognised as a leader in local historical knowledge, she has written many research papers and heritage assessments on topics such as Mosman’s gardens, parks, water reservoirs and waterways. Pam has also run local tours of major houses and developments in Mosman. The Society appreciates Pam’s significant contribution to both the Society and the public with her specialised knowledge of the local area.
Nominated by Newcastle Family History Society
John Ramsland OAM
For his significant contributions to the Society since 2018. With an extensive commitment to teaching, research, and the publication of local, family, and social history and biographies, John has written on a wide variety of topics. His articles have been published in the NFHS, MRHS and RAHS journals, and he has delivered talks at Society meetings. He has also been a long-standing patron of the Manning River Historical Society and a member of the RAHS since the early 1960s. John’s contributions and generosity have played an indispensable part in the enrichment of the Society.
Nominated by Richmond River Historical Society
Robbie Braithwaite
For her invaluable contribution to the Society since 2002. Robbie is the current Secretary to the Society, and she has previously served as President, Vice President and Minute Secretary. Along with her own books, society publications, and contributions to the Society’s Bulletin, her initiatives include local walking tours and curating displays. Robbie’s insights, advice, and energy have been invaluable to the Society, and her leadership and research skills are an inspiration.
The RAHS Certificate of Appreciation honours the contribution made by RAHS volunteers.
Ann O’Connell
Ann’s hard work, attention to detail and enthusiasm in carrying out a variety of library projects are greatly appreciated, as is her flexibility and willingness to help out wherever she is needed. In particular, this year she has diligently reviewed, sorted and catalogued over 7,200 items in the RAHS Vertical File collection. Ann is also a long-term dedicated member of the Ashfield and District Historical Society. The Society acknowledges and appreciates Ann’s achievements and contributions as an invaluable RAHS volunteer and long-standing member.
The results of the 2025 RAHS Affiliated Societies Survey are now available to read and download on our website. The report provides a detailed snapshot of the work our affiliated societies are doing, the challenges they face and the support they find most useful. We encourage you to explore the findings and share them with your committee members.
The full report includes a detailed summary of what societies value most in their membership, the kinds of support you find helpful and the ideas you shared for how RAHS can strengthen its services. We will be taking this feedback forward as part of our strategic planning.
We encourage you to download the report, read the findings and share them with your committee members. If you have further suggestions or would like to discuss anything raised in the survey, we would welcome your feedback.
Back in July 2025, the Royal Australian Historical Society shared the exciting news that we’d received $112,790 in funding from the NSW Government’s Caring for State Heritage Grants program. The announcement featured the Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC, Minister for Heritage, standing proudly in front of History House as we celebrated this important investment in conserving our much-loved heritage building.
This week, the external roof works started. This marks a major milestone in the restoration of History House. The project involves removing the existing tile roof and replacing it with a traditional copper batten roll roof, a material historically used on Sydney’s public and residential heritage buildings. Copper was selected for its durability, compatibility with existing leadwork and copper downpipes, low maintenance needs, and its traditional appearance that complements the building’s heritage character.
Roof works underway at History House, showing the removal of existing roof materials and preparation for the new copper covering. View looking east towards Sydney Harbour. (Photographer: Brianna Jessup, Architect, Hector Abrahams Architects. 21 October 2025)
Combined Roofing Australia, led by Andy Coyne, was awarded the contract in September 2025 following a competitive tender process. The works are expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.
The project includes important maintenance and conservation works, such as:
As part of the conservation process, the RAHS is documenting the works through an archival photographic record, ensuring this significant phase in the history of History House is carefully recorded. We will also share photographs when the roof work is complete.
We would like to again thank the NSW Government and Heritage NSW for supporting this critical phase of the History House conservation project, helping to safeguard one of Sydney’s most important heritage buildings. We also acknowledge the generous support of our donors and members, whose ongoing commitment makes it possible for the RAHS to continue preserving and sharing the history of New South Wales for future generations.
The Certificates of Achievement recognise members of affiliated societies whose contributions are significant and noteworthy.
In 2024, we awarded Certificates that recognised contributions to the work of local historical societies. These included contributions to leadership and administration, publications and research, maintaining archives, museums and collections, and community advocacy.
Learn more about the 2024 recipients.
We will present this year’s Certificates of Achievement at a special event at History House in Sydney in November. The award recipients will also be featured in the December 2025 History magazine.
All nominations must be in writing and show one or more of the following:
Candidates must be nominated by a member of an affiliated society and be approved by either a general meeting, an executive meeting or a specially convened subcommittee. The presiding President and Secretary (or other appropriate office bearer) must also sign the nomination.
Nominations should be emailed to admin@rahs.org.au before Friday, 10 October 2025
Successful applicants will be notified in advance of the event, so that arrangements can be made for their presentation at History House on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
Nomination Deadline: 10 October 2025
We’re conducting Membership and Affiliate surveys, and we want to hear from you!
NSW Rugby League Office, c. 1930 / Sam Hood (Mitchell Library)
A lot has changed since our last membership survey. We’ve introduced hybrid events, expanded our digital resources, and developed a long-term plan for History House and the Library. Through all this change, our core commitment remains: to promote a deeper understanding of Australian history through critical thinking, quality research, and the responsible use of sources. Now, we’re asking for your feedback to help guide our next steps.
The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is completely confidential. As a thank you, you’ll have the chance to enter a draw to win a two-year membership (for individuals) or a David Jones Christmas Cake (for affiliates).
Thank you for helping shape the future of the RAHS. We appreciate your ongoing support!
Didn’t receive the survey? Please contact us at history@rahs.org.au so we can verify your details and make sure you’re included.
The survey will close on 25 September 2025
The Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society (JRAHS) invites members, historians, and researchers to submit original research articles for consideration in our 2026 issues.
We welcome contributions that engage with all aspects of Australia’s history, including its people, places, communities and events.
We encourage papers that explore a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
Please email your submissions to history@rahs.org.au with the subject line ‘Journal Submission – Manuscript title.’
In your email, please include a brief biography (approximately 100 words) and your contact details. Read our submission guidelines.
The Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society (JRAHS) is a peer-reviewed history journal. First published in 1906, it is the oldest journal of Australian history. The JRAHS publishes original, non-fiction scholarly articles, reviews and images on Australian history. All articles undergo an independent, anonymous review by appropriately qualified historians.
We look forward to receiving your contributions. For further information, please contact us at history@rahs.org.au or (02) 9247 8001.
We’re excited to launch the test version of the new RAHS online library catalogue, offering researchers, members, and history enthusiasts a fresh, user-friendly way to explore our collections.
The catalogue features over 25,000 searchable catalogue records, representing around 40% of the RAHS Library’s total holdings. These records provide information about books and other publications; articles from the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society and History magazine; RAHS conference papers (1964–1995); newsletters from affiliated societies; and a range of other serials and periodicals.
More than 500 catalogue records for photographs are also now available online, drawn from a broader collection of over 10,000 historical images. We’ll continue to add new images each month with the help of our dedicated volunteers and TAFE work placement students.
The catalogue is powered by Liberty, the same Library Management System used by many public and educational libraries, and is designed to be easy to navigate.
The following links will take you to the RAHS Test Catalogue and a downloadable User Guide to help you get started. We recommend setting up a user login so you can save searches and receive alerts when new materials related to your research interests are added.
To learn more, organise a library visit, or request research assistance, contact RAHS Librarian Donna Newton at library@rahs.org.au.
Making our collection easier to access helps us share the history of NSW and support the vital work of researchers, historians, and community storytellers.
The June 2025 issue of the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society (Vol. 111, Part I) explores new perspectives on colonial authority, identity, and Australia’s contested past. As Editor Dr Samuel White outlines in his foreword, this issue reflects the Journal’s original intent: to challenge dominant narratives and recover overlooked voices from across Australia’s history.
Dr Keith Amos revisits the 1790 spearing of Governor Arthur Phillip at Manly, interrogating the now-popular view that it was a ritualised ‘payback’. Drawing from firsthand accounts and contextual evidence, Amos offers a more immediate and reactive explanation — one rooted in personal fear, miscommunication, and the tense dynamics of early colonial encounters. His reassessment casts new light on Indigenous agency and the complexity of cross-cultural exchange in early Sydney.
Dr Geoffrey Gray examines the career of anthropologist Frederick G. G. Rose, whose unorthodox views and research methods challenged the institutional boundaries of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies. Gray’s article explores how Rose’s intellectual independence brought him into conflict with government-backed visions of knowledge and cultural representation, offering a case study in the politics of academic freedom and the enduring tension between research integrity and institutional control.
Dr Mark St Leon turns to the life of John [Milner] Clark, a fugitive from justice and an army deserter who remade himself as a respected settler in Wagga Wagga. Beneath Clark’s civic reputation lay a hidden fugitive past. Through meticulous archival reconstruction, St Leon traces a story of reinvention and concealment, revealing the fluidity of identity in colonial Australia and the ways in which reputation, exile, and personal history intersected in the frontier world of the nineteenth century.
Chris Maxworthy uncovers a little-known moment in Australia’s strategic history: a Spanish plan to attack Sydney in 1796, devised by Brigadier José Bustamante and revealed through newly translated documents. Maxworthy’s research highlights the global context of early New South Wales, showing how Britain’s fledgling colony was deeply enmeshed in European rivalries. Far from being an isolated outpost, Sydney was a node in an imperial chessboard — vulnerable, contested, and far more internationally visible than often assumed.
This volume also features reviews of new works on convict orphans, forgotten war heroes, Irish lawyers, and the origins of Australian scientific institutions. Each piece speaks to the evolving shape of Australian historical scholarship.
Members can download the Journal and other publications from the members’ area. For instructions on how to use the members’ area, watch our short instructional video. Contact us if you need assistance.
Why do we wear a sprig of wattle, queue for a democracy sausage, or argue about flags?
Symbols of Australia offers illuminating — and often surprising — insights into the symbols that shape how we see ourselves as a nation. From Uluru to the Australian flag, the rainbow serpent to the FJ Holden, the southern cross to the democracy sausage, the Akubra to the Great Barrier Reef, these symbols are often inspiring, occasionally embarrassing, yet always revealing.
Join us on Saturday, 19th July, at the MacAdams Music Centre, Port Macquarie, for a special talk by acclaimed historian Richard White. Presented by the Royal Australian Historical Society, supported by Create NSW, and held in collaboration with the Port Macquarie Historical Society, this event is part of the RAHS’s ongoing commitment to regional outreach and to sharing Australia’s rich and diverse history with communities across NSW.
RAHS Councillor Richard White, co-author of Symbols of Australia: Imagining a Nation, will explore how these familiar icons both reflect and shape our evolving sense of national identity. ‘National symbols never stand still — they are crucial in how we think of Australia,’ says Richard White. ‘We often think of them as fixed, but it is surprising how much they have changed over time — capturing everything from our national dignity to our everyday dagginess.’
RAHS Senior Vice President Christine Yeats adds: ‘The RAHS is grateful to Create NSW for supporting this event in Port Macquarie. It reflects our commitment to regional outreach and to sharing Australia’s rich and diverse history with communities across the state.’
Port Macquarie Historical Society Vice President Debbie Sommers highlights the value of the RAHS regional outreach program: ‘Events like this help regional audiences explore new aspects of Australian history. Local symbols — from Tacking Point Lighthouse to the Breakwall and the koala — are reflected in the stories we collect and share at the Port Macquarie Museum.’
The event will commence with morning tea at 10.00 am, followed by Richard White’s presentation at 10.30 am, including a Q&A session. The event will conclude by midday.
The RAHS held its 2025 annual general meeting via Zoom on 15 April 2025, with members joining RAHS Councillors to review the annual and financial reports.
The following motions were passed unanimously:
The 2025 Council nominations were:
The RAHS thanks Judith Dunn and Craig McPherson for their contribution during their terms as RAHS Councillors.
RAHS President Iain Stuart has announced he will step down after three years in the role, in line with the RAHS Constitution. He thanked Councillors and staff for their support and hard work during his term.
Dr Stuart reflected on the challenges of rescoping the History House Project, with a current focus on roof repairs, drainage upgrades, and addressing subsidence—vital steps to secure the building’s long-term future. He also acknowledged key initiatives including the rollout of the online catalogue and expansion of hybrid events to improve access and engagement.
He concluded by inviting members to the upcoming RAHS/National Archaeology Week 2025 event, which he will host. The session will explore the Irrawang site—an important early colonial industrial site and one of the first historical archaeological projects undertaken in Australia, with insights from leading archaeologists. Book here.
After the AGM, the RAHS Special Council was held to elect the RAHS Executive. The 2025-2026 RAHS Executive and Councillors are listed below.
We will introduce our Council to our members and eNews readers in the next edition.