wilson history oration 2026
Karen George
Reflections on being a social justice historian: connecting kin, locating the lost and advocating for change
Inspired by her experiences as an interviewer for the National Library of Australia’s Bringing Them Home Oral History project (1998-2002), Karen George has become a specialist in complex family history research, working with and for survivors of the Stolen Generations, Care Leavers and people who have experienced adoption. As an ally for First Nations people, she advocates for improved records access and trauma-informed practice. In this oration, Karen will highlight the ways in which she has used her research skills to assist individuals to reconnect with family and community. She will show how historians can make a real-world difference in people’s lives and contribute to long term social justice outcomes.
LOCATION: Adelaide University, Napier Building, Lecture Theatre G03
DATE: Thursday, 16 July
TIME: 6 pm (Adelaide, Darwin), 6.30 pm (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane), 4 pm (Perth)
HOST: Professional Historians Association (SA)
COST: $5
This year's Wilson History Oration will also be broadcast via Zoom at no charge. The Zoom link will be provided two days prior to the presentation.
Karen George
Karen George has run her own historical consultancy business, Historically Speaking, for over 25 years. She has worked in many different roles and with numerous projects as a researcher, writer, oral historian and trainer. Her most significant project roles have been with the Find & Connect web resource, Link-Up SA, Link-Up QLD, the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of SA Inc., AIATSIS and the National Library of Australia.
The Wilson History Oration was established in memory of Dr Bill Wilson OAM (1942-2021).
Bill’s contribution to our profession was inspiring. After retiring from an illustrious career in law enforcement, Bill established a second career as a historian. He was a founder of PHA (NT), president of Professional Historians Australia (2004-2007) and - after moving to Victoria in 2008 - vice president of PHA (Vic & Tas). His commitment to our organisation, as well as to the field of public history in Australia, was immense.
Throughout his career in history Bill was a diplomatic and personable leader, and an innovative administrator. Above all, he was a friend and colleague to many, with a great love and respect for the discipline of history.