Local history is to receive a significant makeover following the launch of a new South Coast History Society.
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“We are focussing on just one thing,” local historian and one of the society’s first members Peter Lacey told the Bega District News.
“And that is sharing our incredibly interesting history of the NSW South Coast with more people.”
Mr Lacey said interest in our local history has long been largely the preserve of a small number of members of local history societies.
“There are an enormous number of fascinating stories about the local area which deserve to be recorded and more widely shared, and now, with the launch of the South Coast History Society, we are striving to do just that,” he said.
The society’s first aim is to publish a magazine that highlights aspects of the area’s intriguing history, made available free to anybody interested.
There are also plans for a seminar to be held in February next year exploring facets of the region’s history and factors that have contributed to the South Coast’s unique character.
“The topics being discussed will have wide appeal to locals who have any interest at all in the local area, even if they have not previously had any special interest in the history of the area,” Mr Lacey said.
“This seminar will then be followed by a ‘fun’ history-related event in March that potentially could involve everyone who is living on the NSW South Coast.
“But the full details of that event will not be released until early 2017.
“At this stage we are suggesting to anyone who is interested in learning more about our local South Coast history, or who might be interested in the activities planned by the South Coast History Society, that they register their interest by sending their email address to southcoasthistory@yahoo.com.
“They will immediately receive more details about the society’s plans and we will ensure they are also the first to receive information about the availability of our first free magazine and the other events we are organising.”
The South Coast History Society’s activities are being aimed at a broad cross section of local residents.
“Some locals will simply enjoy reading our magazine, which will mean we are immediately achieving one of our aims. But others may choose to become more involved by taking up membership of the society, or by helping us with research and writing about local history, or even assisting with practical things like developing a website for us or assisting with fund raising activities,” Mr Lacey said.
“Our philosophy is that our local history really belongs to everybody, so it should be shared with everybody. And, therefore, anyone who wants to join us to help discover more about our history and help promote it will be warmly welcomed.”
“Now the South Coast History Society has been launched, we seeking are widespread community support, including funding, and will be encouraging our supporters to suggest specific projects that we should pursue or should become involved with.”
The South Coast History Society’s activities will complement and expand on the services currently offered by local museums, genealogy societies and history groups.
“But we will be aiming to excite other, perhaps new, sections of the community such the younger generations and those studying history at school or at university.”
To obtain more information about the South Coast History Society email southcoasthistory@yahoo.com.
