A FRIEND recently asked “What do you do at the Canungra and District Historical Association?”.
This innocent question prompted the writing of this months’ article.
History is more than a collection of dates; it is a combination of the truth, stories and legend.
Our job is to collect and collate, to ascertain the truth by discovering and chronicling our heritage, thereby unearthing the past.
We source and collect objects, documentation and photographs.
Sadly, we meet many people who experience a level of anxiety where they feel their objects and documentation may be unknowingly disposed of in the event of their demise.
We have the resources to scan and photograph this invaluable information so that families can still retain the originals, or we can include the originals in our collection where their preservation and conservation will be assured.
These histories and objects are catalogued and accessioned into our collection and we can utilise this information to further our research.
We also collect oral histories via our Oral History Project where we conduct interviews with individuals and family groups.
We find this knowledge invaluable and by cross referencing the interviews we have collected, we have been able to solve several mysteries and clarify some truths.
Our field trips are extremely popular with our members.
We have visited numerous places of historical interest and made some wonderful discoveries.
In fact, like the inimitable character “Sherlock Holmes”, we are all detectives and finding the clues and establishing the story is quite fascinating.
From time to time, our members can attend courses and seminars relating to historical research and preservation techniques etc that may not be available to non-members.
Our Family History Research is also of great importance and we can assist locals and visitors with their personal family histories, giving advice and guidance where required.
Along with our many ongoing projects, this year we hope to create a “map” of old Canungra using old photographs, and to complete a study containing biographical details for all the street names in the district.
Crucially, the friendships and camaraderie of being with like-minded people is wonderful. We meet twice a month and always welcome new members. You can call us on 0417 055 712 or 0408 435 655 or please email canungrahistoryinc@gmail.com for further information.
This photograph is the Canungra Railway Station c1918.
Note the soldier standing under the Canungra sign … local legend has it that this soldier may be a ghost but we only deal in facts here at C&DHA Inc … what do you think?
The original is held in the State Library of Queensland.
