Workshops and events

Sharing the skills we have built up over the years is really important to us at Way Back When. We firmly believe that the most effective way of learning is by doing.

So, we have developed some practical, hands-on workshops to explore specific skills – like conducting oral history interviews, researching military ancestors and using digital tools – that will help individuals and communities to research, document and communicate aspects of their own past. We are able to deliver these workshops and presentations either in person or online.

Researching your military ancestors

The centenary of World War I has prompted many Australians to delve into their own family history and discover the wartime experiences of their ancestors. We have recently worked on a number of war-related history projects and in the process we have become adept at uncovering and interpreting the sometimes complicated and often hidden military archives. We have developed a workshop aimed at sharing the tips and tricks we've learned to help decipher these records and help individuals research their own military ancestors.

Researching the history of your house

Ever been interested in researching the history of your house? Or a home in your neighbourhood? From our extensive experience conducting heritage research, we guide you through the labyrinth of using various online resources and archival collections, including maps, plans, rate books and land titles, to help build a picture of land ownership, occupation and use.

Way Back When also offers property history services, including property research and storytelling for individuals, families and businesses.

Researching heritage places

This workshop covers researching land history, from public buildings that are well-known and heritage listed, to private houses and other places of significance. From our extensive experience conducting heritage research, we guide you through the labyrinth of using various online resources and archival collections, including maps, plans, rate books and land titles, to help build a picture of land ownership, occupation and use.  

Oral history

Drawing on our extensive oral history experience and expertise, Way Back When runs workshops that cover the history, theory and practice of oral history interviewing. Custom workshops have been coordinated and run for groups including Oral History Victoria, Museums Australia (Victoria), RACV Club, University of the Third Age (U3A), Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, City of Boroondara, City of Glen Eira, Wyndham City Council, City of Melton and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. All workshops are hands-on and practical. Participants are encouraged to bring their own recording equipment to practice the recording and interviewing techniques covered in the workshop. 

Way Back When also offers family history services, including oral history interviews for families and individuals.

Using digital tools

We live in an increasingly digital world. We have digital audio recorders, digital video cameras and many of us spend a good deal of time using digital technologies from smart phones to computers. Increasingly, this is being reflected in the way we communicate history. Way Back When has developed several workshops aimed at teachers and community museums that explore ways of working with digital technologies to communicate the past. 

Speaking events

As well as running workshops, Way Back When is available to speak at or facilitate history-related events, including book launches, symposiums and celebrations such as International Women's Day, either in person or online. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Partnership with Booked Out Speakers Agency

Way Back When is pleased to partner with Booked Out to offer a series of online and in-person workshops for teachers, schools and community groups, including sessions on ‘How to be a historian’ and ‘Diseases of the past’. Contact Booked Out to find out more!

Enquiries

If you would like to enquire about any of the above workshops we offer, or if you have an idea for a workshop that you would like us to develop for your organisation, please contact us. We are happy to run workshops during business hours, in the evenings or on weekends and would be pleased to tailor our workshops to your specific needs.