History Speaks

Historians and history buffs, young and old, are set to examine some of the NT’s most significant historical events at this year’s History Talks: The Annual History Colloquium.

^{By Jenna Kirkham}

WITH A RICH history swirling around the NT, the Annual History Colloquium invites you to learn about the significant historical events that have contributed to the Territory, with established and emerging historians on hand to shed some light.

Starting out as a way for students and staff of Charles Darwin University (CDU) to share their work, the Colloquium is these days coordinated by Charles Darwin University and the Professional Historians Association NT (PHANT) in partnership with Library & Archives NT.

The event has evolved over the years, and offers an important space for both historians and the broader community.

“For the local community who attend, it’s just a really great way for them to learn a bit more about the history of the Northern Territory and for them to share with us what they know about it too, because often there are people in the audience that go, ‘I was there’ or ‘I know about that’ or ‘I knew that person’ so they can share their stuff too,” says PHANT Secretary, Steven Farram.

History buffs can enjoy a line-up of thought-provoking topics, including three works on Cyclone Tracy as the community reflects upon 50 years since the catastrophic event.

Talks include topics such as aviation history, archaeology in Western Arnhem Land, the Parap 118 Camp, Japanese internees during World War II, the Orthodox Greek Church in Darwin, and the forensic account of the massacre men in Northern Australia.

Farram presents his talk, The Big Wind, The Wild One and The Mob at the Opera House, and says the event supports a shared love of history.

“It becomes a shared experience, it’s a really good way for everybody to connect on those issues.”

Held in the apt setting of NT Library, it’s the perfect space to immerse yourself in Territory history.

History Talks: The Annual History Colloquium
WHEN SAT 26 OCT | 9AM-5PM 
AT NT LIBRARY 
COST FREE 
INFO lant.nt.gov.au

^{Header, thumbnail & inset: Fishing vessel NR Kendall capsized and wrecked off Larrakeyah by Cyclone Tracy with the loss of two lives. Cyclone Tracy Collection, MAGNT, 2024.138.001}