This document outlines a history extension programme between Nowra Anglican College and the Historic Houses Trust. It provides opportunities for gifted, passionate students to work on historical sites, meet people involved in history conservation, and engage with the local history community. Students undertake individual research projects on topics like a local house museum and its changing representation over time, a neglected shipwreck, and a lighthouse and its impact on the local community. The programme aims to make history more hands-on and holistic. Selection of suitable students considers their ability to think broadly and creatively about history. Ongoing support is provided through resources, contacts, and orientation to ensure student success in their independent historical inquiries.

1. HHT History Extension Programme The ProjectTelling Tales Out of SchoolSMArT Nowra Anglican College Historic Houses Trust

2. Opportunitylip disk from the Mursi tribe of southern Ethiopia ~ NAC School MuseumPurpose:a concern that the History Extension project had become too academic ~ a university style paperOpportunity: a chance for our more gifted, passionate and self motivated students:visit and work on historical sites

3. meet with people involved in the custodianship and the conservation of history ~ coal face history

4. be involved with the local history communitywedding dress being restored ~ Mint

5. Meroogal HouseJo WilcoxHow has Meroogal House represented its history since it’s acquisition in 1985?What factors have influenced these changes?Jo and the House

6. A Study of Change and Controversy“The museum is in a stage of transition as it is developing into a post-feminist museum that values a holistic representation of the past.”“Change is necessary so that the community can learn to value history rather than lose interest or not understand the importance of hearing all the stories of the past.”a bedside study featuring lamp and books from Meroogal House

7. Working within a Local Museuminterviews with curators and guides

8. independent tours and reviews

9. photographing artefacts and displays

10. studying museum histories, guide books, pamphlets and literature

11. reviewing museum policies, philosophies and advertising

12. researching diaries, letters and personal correspondenceexamining artefacts on a visit to Meroogal House

13. Context and CommunityWorking with Meroogal House ...impact of context on historyimportance of involving a community with their history“history is not just about representing the past, but more importantly, it is about engaging the past with the present ...”a bedside study at Meroogal House

14. T.S.S. Merimbula on Whale PointMatthew IredaleWhy was so little done to save such an interesting shipwreck and landmark?bow section of the TSS Merimbula

15. Lost to Wave and Tide“... it is indeed evident that it is far too late to initiate a conservation plan for the Merimbula as she has deteriorated to such a disastrous extent.”photograph of the original wreck in 1928“It would seem that the locals of Currarong have finally reclaimed their pristine coastline.”photograph of wreck in 1992photograph of wreck from 2009

16. When a Town Neglects its historyphotographing a site

17. examining and handling artefacts

18. assessing the effects of natural and human deterioration

19. interviewing residents

20. reviewing local historiesTSS Merimbula anchor from the Currarong RSL Club car parkcorresponding with relevant authorities

21. assessing community bias, values and attitudesMeasuring LossA shipwreck ...a lot of fundealing with apathy and conflicting views“the saddest loss is when you don’t even know that you have lost something ...”plaque commemorating the salvage of the ship’s anchor in 1978 by a naval helicopter from HMAS Albatross

22. Cape St. George Lighthouse Chloe DoverOver time, how has the changing use of the Cape St. George Lighthouse affected the lives of the people involved?the ruin on the cape

23. A Scandal Disappearing into the Scrub“No one had the fortune to emerge from the incident with much acclaim. Many lost their credibility and careers and, in more unfortunate cases, others paid for the mistake with their lives.”photograph from 1890 of the lighthouse and the families of the lighthouse keepers“This history is a vital segment in the history of the Shoalhaven region that is worth remembering and must not be lost.”draughtsman’s plans for the lighthouse

24. A Critical Site Report in Neglectreal issues of custodianship and conservation

25. dealing with ‘reluctant’ authorities

26. interviews with conservators and curators

27. making critical reports and assessments