Victoria’s peak body for history
Discover
why history
matters
Connect with historians, educators and enthusiasts
while accessing resources, events and advocacy
that bring the past to life.
Welcome to the History Council of Victoria
The History Council of Victoria Incorporated is the peak body for history in the Australian state of Victoria. Our vision is to connect Victorians with history and to inspire their engagement with the past, their identity and the world today. The HCV champions the work of historians and the value of history. It recognises that history can be written about any place, any person, any period. It advocates why history matters.
Friends of the HCV benefit from special invitations, free events and discounts.
You can support our work by attending our events, subscribing to our newsletter, endorsing the Value of History statement, joining our Friends of the HCV or making a donation.
Upcoming events
Our events calendar keeps you activated with the latest offerings from HCV.
Thursday 24 September 2026
2026 Annual Lecture – Direct Action, Protest and Democracy
An annual showcase featuring a leading historian on a topic of pressing importance and wide interest, and the announcement of our major annual prizes.
Thursday 22 October 2026
The Shortest History of the United States of America
Our final event in the 2026 Book+Author in-person conversation series, which showcases new books from some of Australia’s most exciting historians.
Thursday 19 November 2026
Making Public Histories 2026 – Challenging Anzac
Free Zoom webinar exploring issues and approaches in making public histories.
News
News items form an archive of work and keep you updated with goings on.
Get to know Professor Sean Scalmer ahead of our 2026 Annual Lecture: ‘Direct Action, Protest and Democracy’
The History Council of Victoria Annual Lecture 2026 takes place on September 24, just a couple of weeks away! The Annual Lecture is our most prestigious event, featuring a noted scholar offering insight and provocation from history and historiography. In anticipation...
History comes to life for VCE history students in Warrnambool, Shepparton and Traralgon
Our VCE Roadshow has taken place in one form or another since the 1970s—a day-long program intended to complement students' in-class learning in advance of end of year VCE history exams. This August, VCE students from Warrnambool, Shepparton and Traralgon, regional...
Speakers announced for the 2026 History Council of Victoria VCE History Roadshow
The History Council of Victoria VCE Roadshow has taken place in one form or another since the 1970s, and this August we expand the program to three regional locations to bring a tailored program of presentations to VCE history students across Victoria. The...
Nominations are now open for our 2026 Lynette Russell Prize and 2026 Jane Hansen Prize
The History Council of Victoria awards two annual prizes to reward those who celebrate and advocate for history in Victoria. The Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples' Histories in Schools awards Victorian students for their work exploring First Peoples'...
Book+Author: Contaminated Country with Dr Jessica Urwin – thank you for a sold out event!
Thank you to all those who attended our sold out Book+Author talk last Thursday at Bard's Apothecary! In a full room, convener Dr Yves Rees spoke to Dr Jess Urwin (University of Tasmania) about her newly published book Contaminated Country: Nuclear Colonialism...
Meet your new HCV intern Rosina Virgona!
Each year, the History Council of Victoria hosts an intern from a Victorian university to work with us on our careers in history event — a panel discussion for tertiary students featuring professionals who once studied history, now working across a range of...
What we do
Engaging Events
From History Roadshows and careers panels to our annual lecture series, we create opportunities to explore and celebrate history.
Powerful Advocacy
We champion the importance of history in education, policy, and public life, working with state and Federal government, councils and stakeholders across Australia.
Prizes & Recognition
Our competitions celebrate First Peoples’ history education, and history advocacy throughout Victoria.
Newsletters
Our newsletters go out to those on our mailing list, keeping you abreast of History Council Victoria activities and news of interest to our community.


Support the future of history and heritage
Become a Friend of the HCV and receive discounts, special offers and free events while supporting our work.
Donate to the HCV to support our advocacy, outreach and public education activities throughout Victoria.
Subscribe to the HCV Newsletter to stay informed about news and events from the HCV and our history community. [Scroll down]


Stay connected to History
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from Victoria's vibrant history community.




Regular events
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The peak body for history in the Australian state of Victoria. Donate or become a Friend of HCV: https://www.historycouncilvic.org.au/friends_sign_up