Handle with Care Conference

2019 Western Australian State Heritage and History Conference

Mon 29 Apr 2019 – Tue 30 Apr 2019

9:00am – 5:00pm

Offsite

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The 2019 Western Australian State Heritage and History Conference will be held at the Westin Hotel Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April, situated in the heart of the Hibernian Place with the theme Handle with Care.

Places, stories and collections face many threats. Environment, time, misuse, neglect or even misguided good intent can corrode, corrupt or devalue. As custodians and curators we are familiar with conservation and care in the physical context. This conference, however, also seeks to explore other elements of heritage, history and collections that may need to be ‘handled with care’.

'Dark heritage’ is a concept that recognises the need to reflect all elements of the past in understanding and interpreting a place. This may include uncomfortable truths, or historical perspectives that have previously been hidden from view. Without proper guidance there is a risk of sensationalism, using history to shock and thrill and trivialising events whose impact may still be felt within current generations.

When handled with care and sensitivity, these darker elements of our past have the potential to build a full understanding of a place; to provide the visitor, tourist or student with a balanced and informed history; to respect and acknowledge the impacts of past acts.

The conference is supported by Principal Sponsors the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

The program is developed with the assistance of an industry Advisory Board including the WA Museum.

For more information and to register visit the Western Australian State Heritage and History Conference website.

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