About

Introduction

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. We recognise that history can be written about any place, any person, any period. We advocate why history matters.

Background

The HCV was formed as an advisory body in 2001 and incorporated in 2003. It comprises representatives from cultural and educational institutions and heritage bodies; history teachers and curriculum advisors; academic and professional historians; and local, community and specialist history organisations.

Vision

Connecting Victorians with history and inspiring engagement with the past, their identity and the world today.

Values

We:

• encourage excellence through all that we say and do
• respect diversity
• recognise that history can be written about any place, any person, any period
• celebrate the work of historians
• value historically significant places and objects
• value the records that provide evidence for historians
• value those who maintain living historical traditions and intangible heritage practices
• encourage those who share their experiences through oral histories, thereby creating new forms of evidence of the past
• acknowledge the historical narratives and interpretations shaped by writers, producers and artists and revealed through all forms of scholarly and creative media
• congratulate the teachers who encourage the pursuit of history and foster a life-long love of learning in this field
• believe that the study of history contributes to work readiness and job satisfaction, and that the best decisions draw on historical knowledge