Print this page Lives at Work: Discovering NSW History Through Archives

In Association with the Royal Australian Historical Society

Speaker: Christine Yeats

The NSW State Archives contain a remarkable record of everyday working life across more than two centuries. This course introduces the wide range of archival records relating to professions, trades, businesses, apprenticeships, licences, public service, immigration and employment. Participants will discover how these records can enrich family history, local history and social history research while gaining a deeper understanding of the changing nature of work in New South Wales. Ideal for family historians, researchers and anyone interested in Australia's social history.

DELIVERY MODE

• Online

SUGGESTED READING

• MHNSW Public Servants Guide: https://mhnsw.au/guides/public-servants-guide/
• MHNSW Family History Guide: https://mhnsw.au/guides/family-history-guide/
• MHNSW Professions & Occupations list of resources: https://mhnsw.au/archive/subjects/professions-and-occupations/

COURSE OUTLINE

• Unlocking occupation records in the NSW State Archives.
• Following career paths: public servants, professions, occupations and apprenticeships.
• Investigating employment, business and working life.
• Bringing working lives to life through research.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify key NSW State Archives records relating to professions, trades, occupations and employment
2. Understand how occupational records can be used to enhance family, local and social history research
3. Apply practical research strategies to locate and interpret records that document the working lives of individuals and communities

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Christine Yeats is an archivist and historical researcher with 35 years’ experience, including senior roles at State Records NSW (now Museums of History NSW). She managed access to the State’s archives, outreach, and public programs until her retirement in 2012. A past President of both the RAHS and the FAHS, she is also a member of the Australian Dictionary of Biography’s Revision Sub-Committee. In 2023, she was awarded a RAHS Fellowship for her outstanding contributions to Australian history.

Please note: If you are a member of RAHS and wish to apply your RAHS Member discount to this course, please contact us to have this added to your student record before you enrol (unless added previously). To become a RAHS Member, visit their website at https://www.rahs.org.au/