State Heritage Convention

Ms Lennie McCall
Chairman of Council, Royal Western Australian Historical Society Inc.
"Heritage and our Community"

Historical Survey

The paper commences with an historical survey showing that the Royal WA Historical Society was formed in 1926 in response to a developing community awareness of history and heritage. The founding members included Edith Cowan, Paul Hasluck, Sir James Mitchell and Professor EOG Shann.

The expansion of a network of local historical societies across the State responded to a growing community appreciation of local history and cultural heritage. Some of the Society's tangible achievements are listed, including the successful community campaigns for the establishment of the State Archives and the JS Battye Library; the retention of the Old Mill South Perth; and the recognition of the East Perth Cemeteries as an important heritage site.

Current situation

The vision for the next five years is that ' present and future generations will have access to the history of Western Australia' and the mission or objects include:
- fostering interest in and enjoyment of Western Australian history within the community;
- being recognised as an advocate in the conservation and promotion of the State's cultural heritage; and
- cooperating with all others in the field in the study and promotion of the history of Western Australia.

Identifying some of the major issues and needs includes problems of restricted space and facilities in the Nedlands location. Education awareness programs promoting the study and appreciation of WA history are outlined. These include:
- Interpretation of history through an active tours and walks program;
- Access to and care of valuable heritage collections on site and through the website;
- Services available to the community including the specialist Bookshop and sale of archival products; and
- The essential role of volunteers.

Future Directions

Some mention is made of the Strategic Plan 2000-2005 including those major objectives covering moveable cultural heritage including issues relating to the community.

The need for continuing initiatives to develop new strategies is reviewed.
Opportunities for the present community to acknowledge, study and research its social history, is currently provided in various ways by the Society as described earlier in the paper. Benefits for future generations are being planned and implemented.