Family histories and the memory of nation
In the fourth of the NSW State Library's fortnightly lecture series, A Foreign Country: Travels through the Past, Professor Haskins re-tells the extraordinary story of her great-grandmother Joan Kingsley-Strack, and her personal campaign against the policies of child removal in NSW during the 1930s.
The history of the Stolen Generations is one of the most profoundly troubling, and important histories in our nation’s past — prominently discussed, contested and debated in the public sphere since the late twentieth century.
The porous boundaries between historical narratives of the nation and the memory-work in our own families can be mapped in her story, and indeed in all family histories.
At a time when truth-telling is needed more than ever before, understanding the complexity of histories and memories held within families is critical.
The event is free but bookings via the NSW State Library website are recommended.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.