Oral historian Benjamin Thorn has discovered that everyone has at least one really good story that can cast a light on history. Talking to neighbours is therefore a productive way to gain historical insights into local history, various industries and work, and personal experiences of wider historical events. This talk will look at some of the ways that oral history of ordinary people can be a useful contextualising historical tool. It includes examples of stories that illustrate the various contexts. The audience will then share their own memories to prove that everyone really does have a good story.
Benjamin Thorn has been collecting oral history about the printing industry for nine years. He has been the curator of the Museum of Printing at the New England Regional Art Museum and lectures in creative arts education at UNE. He also has an international reputation as a composer. His music is performed around the world and has been published in Australia, Germany, Canada and the United States.
Proudly presented as part of the History Council of NSW’s Speaker Connect program for History Week 2016.
When: Tuesday 6 September 2016, 12:30pm
Where: Grafton Library
126-144 Pound Street
Grafton NSW 2460
Cost: Free
Contact: graftonlib@crl.nsw.gov.au
Presented by Grafton Library.
Image: courtesy Benjamin Thorn
This event is part of
History Week: Neighbours
3-11 September 2016
Presented by the History Council of NSW
#HistoryWeek16 | www.historyweek.com.au