Parallels on the Periphery: The Exploration of Aboriginal History by Local Historical Societies in New South Wales, 1960s-1970s

Abstract

Aboriginal history and local history have both sat on the periphery of academic scholarship most of the twentieth century. Local historical societies have attracted academic criticism due to their perceived failure to include Aboriginal history in their publications and museums. This article explores attempts made by country town historical societies during the 1960s-1970s to learn about the local Aboriginal past. Early society-run activities such as seminars, research and excursions reveal a genuine interest in the local Aboriginal past. Most importantly, they suggest that society members did not know as much about Aboriginal history as they felt they should.This article has been peer reviewed