Historical services

Aboriginal Australians night fishing by fire torches, New South Wales, c. 1817', Joseph Lycett, National Library of Australia

Illuminating the past to inspire the future

The shared stories of people and places are critical to understanding the events and processes that shaped society today.

History is the craft of bringing the past to life. By illustrating what people and places meant to their communities, we can better appreciate their heritage significance.

Our history projects are grounded in extensive historical research while also being accessible, informative and compelling. History provides the platform for future planning and underpins heritage frameworks.

We provide a range of historical services from thematic, local and oral histories to community engagement.

Historical services

Historic stone building with a white painted facade, wooden window frames, and a gabled roof with dark shingles, located in a park or outdoor setting.
  • First Nations and other community histories

  • Local and oral histories

  • Thematic histories 

  • Built environment, architectural and site-based histories 

  • Heritage and historical significance assessments 

  • Community engagement projects 

  • Historical content for digital and online projects, including media 

projects

Meet our Historian

A man with a gray beard and mustache, wearing a black t-shirt, black jeans, black and white sneakers, a baseball cap, and a green bracelet, standing with hands in pockets against a modern metallic wall with horizontal slats on a wooden deck.

Our historical services are led by Historian Dr Stephen Gapps who has over 20 years experience in a wide range of areas including maritime, industrial and local history.

Stephen is a leading authority on the Australian Frontier Wars, has worked extensively with First Nations communities and has published several award-winning histories such as The Sydney Wars.

Request a proposal

Send through your project brief and we’ll be in touch soon to discuss your history project.

Cox’s Pass with Expedition resting, by John Lewin, in [Blue Mountains, ca. 1815-1816] watercolour drawings by John William Lewin, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW