In celebration of Women's History Month we share these fascinating interviews from the oral history project.
Judith Birmingham
Judy Birmingham is a pioneer of Australian historical and industrial archaeology. Alongside her groundbreaking work, she played a pivotal role in the foundation of multiple organisations, including the Australian International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the National Trust (NSW)’s Industrial Archaeology Committee and the Australian (now Australasian) Society for Historical Archaeology. Judy was also on the drafting committee for the Burra Charter, widely regarded as the most important document for conservation of heritage places in Australia. Known as an inspiring archaeology lecturer in 2017 she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.
Judy spoke with the National Trust at her home in Lismore, NSW. The interview covers Judy’s childhood and early education in England, her university education and recollections of meeting prominent personalities in archaeology. She also recounts her trailblazing academic career and her time with the National Trust. Listen to the interview.
Meg Stewart
Meg Stewart is a renowned Australian author, whose parents, artists Douglas Stewart and Margaret Coen, had a long association with Norman Lindsay Gallery in Springwood.
Meg’s published books include Autobiography of my Mother, the Dream Life of Harry Moon, Creative Friends and Far from a still life: Margaret Olley.
Here, she talks to host Judith Matheson about her memories of Margaret Olley, and shares an intimate story about her mother’s relationship with Norman Lindsay.
Learn more
The National Trust (NSW) oral history project aims to capture the stories of Australians who are involved in the politics of heritage conservation, are a significant custodian of a site, knowledge or event, or have a long history with the National Trust.
Each of these oral histories delve into a person’s life story, and are recorded as a long-form interview with few set questions. Explore other recordings in the series.
If you would like to use these recordings, please contact the National Trust archives.
