We are delighted to host this conversation between author Jane Sullivan and historian/author Dr Andrew Lemon to mark the publication of Jane's book, Murder in Punch Lane. Inspired by real events and people, Murder in Punch Lane is a dark and gripping crime novel that maps the sins and secrets of nineteenth-century Melbourne. Jane Sullivan is an author and literary journalist who loves books and has always written about them.

This full day seminar is co-presented by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria and the Genealogical Society of Victoria. Discover the hidden stories in Victoria’s cemetery records when you join us for this enlightening seminar where leading experts will reveal how cemetery records can be a treasure trove for local and family historians. Learn techniques to deepen your research and unearth fascinating stories about the past. Explore the past and enrich your research with insights gleaned from cemeteries. Whether you are a seasoned historian or just starting your journey, this seminar is an invaluable opportunity to enhance your research skills and connect with a community of history enthusiasts.

John Auchterlonie Creelman: a ship’s surgeon and colonial doctor, 1848 to 1889 presented by Lorraine Finlay.
An Edinburgh University graduate who arrived in Melbourne in January 1848, Creelman led an eventful career in regional towns as a doctor, a coroner and public vaccinator and was a medical witness in a notorious criminal case. Despite his government appointments and the income from his private practices life was a constant financial struggle during the pre and post gold rush era.

RHSV’s Historical Societies Support Committee (HSSC) is delighted to offer a bumper professional learning event for 2024 in-person at our home in the Drill Hall and by Zoom, globally. The program offers an exciting and practical selection of popular sessions from recent years. There will be time in every session and at day’s end for questions, answers and sharing of experiences and resources, with all focusing on solutions to challenges. Lunch and morning tea are included.

Every year the Professional Historians Association of Australia Vic & Tas, in partnership with the RHSV, ask three 'emerging' historians about their work. In 2024 we've asked these historians to reflect on how the spoken word has influenced their history. Andrew Lemon (RHSV) and Sophie Couchman (PHA) will be our MCs for the evening.

We look forward to hearing from our three historians at this event: Dr Hannay Viney, Dr Mia Martin Hobbs and Dr Aleksander Potocnik.

Join Jillian Hiscock, the RHSV Collections Manager, each month in this informative and easy-going Zoom forum on all aspects of cataloguing collections for historical societies. In 2024's first Cataloguing Clinic for the year, Jillian will talk about collection management, what you keep or don’t keep, when you catalogue material as an archive or a collection and any issues around the actual collection. Jillian has a different topic each month and is happy to be guided by those who attend as to what they would like covered in upcoming clinics. Bring your questions (no matter the topic) - this is an interactive space where questions are encouraged. The RHSV does not endorse any particular cataloguing software - we believe it is horses for courses - and Jillian will talk about issues that impact on cataloguing whether you are using cataloguing cards or software.