About HCNSW’s Annual History Lecture
First held in 1996, the Annual History Lecture was inaugurated by the HCNSW to underline the importance of history to current issues and concerns. The lectures are original works that constitute a significant contribution to historical knowledge. Previous speakers have included Frank Bongiorno, Thomas Mayo, Bruce Pascoe, Laura McBride & Mariko Smith, Stan Grant, John Maynard, Lisa Murray, Michelle Arrow, Heather Goodall, Professor Mark McKenna, Chris Masters and Christina Twomey (a full list of speakers can be found above).
In 2024 the Annual History Lecture featured Frank Bongiorno. Further details are available via the link button above.
The 2025 featured speaker has not yet been announced.
For further details of our past Annual History Lectures, please visit the individual pages linked to this page, accessible via the dropdown menu at the top of this page.
What is the selection process for the Annual History Lecturer?
The Annual History Lecturer is proposed by the General Council of the HCNSW early each year. A voting process then takes place before the chosen lecturer is approached.
The History Council relies on the financial support of its members to deliver its annual programs. Apply to become a member here.
Is the Annual History Lecture always held in History Week?
The Annual History Lecture is usually held in-person during History Week, with plans to do so again in 2023, as it was in 2022. In 2020 & 2021, due to Health Orders necessitated by the pandemic, it was recorded and published at a later date than History Week. All recordings can be found on our YouTube channel.
Is it possible to attend the Annual History Lecture?
The Annual History Lecture is usually held in front of a live audience and is open to History Council members and the general public alike. Tickets are advertised via our newsletter and social media platforms, and registrations take place via this website. It is a great night for networking and meeting up with friends & colleagues. It is also one of the premium events of the History Council of NSW.
History Week is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW
History Week partners
We are grateful to our partners listed below for all of their assistance and support.