Oral History Program
Engineering Heritage Oral History
The National Engineering Oral History Program was established in 2001 to record the experiences and achievements of nationally significant engineers. In time it will provide a significant data-base accessible to a wide range of researchers, biographers, historians, journalists, social scientists etc.
The Oral History interviews are biographical, but have an emphasis on the careers and major achievements of nationally significant engineers.
The Program is managed and funded by Engineering Heritage Australia (EHA), but in the first instance, interviews are initiated through the relevant Divisional (or State) heritage group in accordance with set guidelines. Interviews are conducted by professional oral historians or experienced engineers and are recorded on recognised recording media.
A log or index of the interview is provided to assist researchers to appraise the relevance of the contents.
The interviews, logs and biographical notes have been deposited with the State Library of NSW. Copies have also been lodged with the relevant state libraries or state archives and Division heritage groups.
An Oral History Registar is maintained by the Administrator of Engineering Heritage Australia.
Nominations for Interview
Nominations should include:
- name, date of birth, address and other contact details;
- a brief statement of the prospect's career, highlighting their significance and achievements as engineers;
- a statement describing why the nominee might be considered nationally significant and why their experiences and achievements will be of historical significance; and
- an indication of any urgency or impediment that might attach to the timing or holding of an interview.
Nominations may be made in writing to:
The Administrator
Engineering Heritage Australia
Engineers Australia
11 National Circuit
Barton ACT 2600
or by email to Committee Administrator
Note - An interview priority list is maintained.
Enquiries about the Program can be made to the Program Manager : via the Committee Administrator
Division Oral History Program
The Sydney Engineering Heritage Committee has a large oral history program with over 160 interviews recorded here .
Certain other engineering heritage groups have also conducted oral history interviews and reference to these may be obtained from the relevant websites or through their secretaries.
