‘The History of the World in One Hundred Objects’ was one of the National Museum of Australia’s most successful exhibitions. Dr Mat Trinca, Director of the National Museum, described the enthusiastic engagement of many visitors. ‘Objects’, he noted, ‘connect us to other’s lived experience, collapse time and space, invite us in to glimpse others’ dreams.’  How can historians use objects to materialise the past? What can we learn from the insights of archaeologists and cultural anthropologists? How might working with objects lead to deeper engagement with museums, libraries and archives? What role might the digital humanities play in interpreting objects in new and challenging ways? Finally, how do objects help us navigate scale in history, spanning past and present, the local and the global?

This paper will explore ‘Australian Journey: The story of a nation in 12 objects’. This free, online documentary series was produced in collaboration with a host of cultural institutions and involved a working partnership between Monash University and the National Museum with assistance from the Australian National University. Informed by in-depth commentary from leading experts, ‘Australian Journey’ provides an engaging resource for the teaching of history through objects and promotes a broader cultural literacy amongst international students.

Panel includes select screenings of series and discussion with

• David Arnold, Deputy Director Programs and Engagement, National Museum of Australia
• Professor Frank Bongiorno, Series Interviewee, School of History, Australian National University
• Professor Rae Frances, Series Interviewee, Dean Colleges Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University
• Dr Katrina Grant, Series Advisor, Centre for Digital Humanities Research, Australian National University
• Professor Peter Read, Series Interviewee, Australian Centre for Indigenous History, Australian National University
• Dr Jayne Regan, Teaching Resources Development, School of History, Australian National University
• Professor Bruce Scates, Series Writer, Producer and Co-Presenter, School of History, Australian National University