The contributions made by Victorians who are preserving the state’s rich and diverse history are being celebrated and recognised.
Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson today announced the 48 projects and publications that made the shortlist for this year’s Victorian Premier’s History Award and Victorian Community History Awards.
The shortlist includes books, articles, exhibitions, websites and a digital tour that tell the stories of WWII, histories of Melbourne suburbs, regional towns, Chinese and Jewish communities, the arts and the environment across Victoria.
Local historians have adapted their projects due to the coronavirus pandemic with heritage walks designed with social distancing in mind, virtual building tours and online works.
A total of 32 publications and 16 history projects have been shortlisted for prizes ranging from $500 to $2000, and all are in the running for the $5,000 Victorian Premier’s History Award major prize.
From the shortlist, the 2020 Victorian Premier’s History Award recipient and nine Victorian Community History category winners will be chosen.
Final award winners will be announced online in October as part of History Month.
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Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson
“Congratulations to all the local historians who have worked so hard to bring Victoria’s diverse and fascinating history to life – especially in such challenging times.”
“I am so proud to see how adaptive and innovative historians have been to deliver their work remotely this year.”
Quote attributable to Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood
“Well done to everyone involved in each of these works that tell aspects of Victoria’s rich history - your innovation this year has been inspiring and much appreciated by history lovers across Victoria.”
Quote attributable to President of the Royal Historical Society Victoria Emeritus Professor Richard Broome AM
“It is astonishing that such a difficult time has produced the second largest number of entries to the Victorian Community History Awards in 22 years; 176 entries across all nine categories.”
Reviewed 22 September 2020