Historian in Residence

Research Revealed Seminars May 2024

Know where you live!

Join us as our two Sunshine Coast Historians in Residence reveal their research findings at free history seminars.

Hear about the evolution of Sunshine Coast cemeteries as Dr Lisa Murray shares her insight into common themes and unique qualities. As part of her research, Dr Murray explored monument styles and symbolism, and will reveal her findings on regional stonemasons.

Uncover the fascinating biographies of the personalities of Bankfoot House residents with Dr Ken Greenwood as he delves into their individual lives. In an interesting twist, Dr Greenwood writes a biography taken from the perspective of the house itself using the house as a narrator.

Location	Date and time	Registration
Heritage Library	Thursday 23 May, 9.30-11.30am	Register
Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct	Friday 24 May, 9.30-11.30am	Register

Both historians will speak at both locations. Talks include free morning tea. Bookings essential.

Background

The Sunshine Coast Historian in Residence Program is in its its third year.

The historians selected for the 2023-2024 program are:

• Dr Ken Greenwood
• Dr Lisa Murray

Historians who participate in the program have extensive knowledge and experience in their individual field of expertise. Their chosen topic helps to fill in the missing gaps in Sunshine Coast’s history.

To undertake their research, the historians have access to council’s heritage collections at Bankfoot House, Landsborough Museum, Heritage Library and council archives.

Community invitation

The community are encouraged to share their knowledge and photos of the historians’ chosen topics at any time. To participate, contact Cultural Heritage Services by emailing [email protected] or phone 5420 8600.

Below is a brief introduction to the historians and their topic.

Dr Ken Greenwood

Topic: Documenting the lives of the people who lived at Bankfoot House for over 130 years.

Professor Ken Greenwood is an avid researcher and writer, with more than 150 publications in international refereed journals, eight book chapters, and various editorship contracts. Holding two Doctorates, Ken has worked with universities for most of his professional life, from management positions to undergraduate and post graduate lecturer. His qualifications in behavioural science places him in an ideal position to delve into his Historian in Residence topic to gain a deeper understanding of the personalities and motivations of the three generations of the same family who lived at Bankfoot House. Ken’s recent qualification in family history research, and papers written while a volunteer at Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, further supports his research topic.

Dr Lisa Murray

Topic - Sunshine Coast cemeteries: a visitor’s guide

Dr Lisa Murray is a professional historian specialising in archival research, and social, urban, public and oral history. She is an award-winning author of community and planning histories, and a curator of exhibitions and walking tours. For the past 12 years Lisa held the position of City Historian at the City of Sydney Council, where she led the history team to deliver a diverse program of research, advice, interpretation and education programs. In 2021, Lisa was awarded the Dr AM Hertzberg AO Fellowship at the State Library of New South Wales. Her doctoral thesis on the history of cemeteries in nineteenth century New South Wales, supports her Historian in Residence topic that delves into the history of Sunshine Coast cemeteries. Lisa is a member of the NSW National Trust’s Cemeteries Conservation Committee.

Calling future Historians

If you are an historian interested in being part of this program, contact Cultural Heritage Services on [email protected]