PHA turns 30!
Professional Historians Australia turns 30!
Incorporated on 14 August 1996, the organisation originally known as Australian Council of Professional Historians Association (ACPHA) was established as a national body to federate the state and territory associations that had been popping up across the country since the 80s.
These state, territory and national bodies were interested in practical issues for professional historians, including pay, contracts, legality around setting up a private practice, advertising, ethics and insurance, as well as offering collegiate support in what could be an isolating profession.
ACPHA became PHA in 2014. For 30 years, we have continued to serve our branch associations and members, offering resources, opportunities for professional development, publication, employment, and connection.
Now we want to hear from you! If you have stories about your involvement with PHA, or recall interesting interactions between branch associations with our national body, we would love to hear it. Share your memories in the comments below or email admin@historians.org.au
In an article for Historia+, PHA national president Jeff Hopkins-Weise reflected on his own 30-year journey as a professional historian:
“I can most definitely say I have had amazing and diverse experiences working across a wide array of history and heritage. To transpose the words of a song by one of my favourite musicians Trent Reznor, ‘maybe I am where I belong’.”
We’re proud to have spent 30 years in the place we belong. Here’s to many more.