War Heritage Roadshow: state-wide tour to help families preserve their wartime history

Victorian families will be able to help preserve our wartime history and learn more about the role their loved ones played in military conflict at a free War Heritage Roadshow to tour the state this year.

The series of Antiques Roadshow-style events will give all Victorians the chance to have their family war memorabilia examined by Australia’s top preservation experts.

If people have an item they care for they can bring it to a Roadshow venue, where experts will assess its significance, deliver collection care demonstrations and information sessions giving families and communities the tools to care for their memorabilia at home, keeping it alive and safe for future generations.

The War Heritage Roadshow is a Victorian Government initiative being delivered by the University of Melbourne Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation.

The roadshow will start on 31 March, with a two-day event at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne, and continue with events planned at 13 towns across the state. The regional roadshow will start in Ballarat on 26-27 April and move to Bendigo on 28-29 April.

Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation Director Robyn Sloggett said the roadshow would help preserve Australia’s wartime history from the Boer War to the most recent conflicts.

“Almost every family or community holds war memorabilia, whether it is diaries, letters, photographs, drawings, maps, medals, uniforms, helmets or honour boards,” Professor Sloggett said.

“All of these items tell a story and we want to make sure these stories are not lost as memorabilia fades, tears or tarnishes.”

Professor Sloggett said it was also important to ensure that modern military memorabilia is recognised and protected.

“In the past, military personnel sent home detailed letters and photographs. Today they’re sending emails and snapchats, and they’re talking on Skype,” she said.

“Modern memorabilia is just as important as that from 100 years ago so we really need to look at how we can help families to store this important information.

"One of the best ways they can do this is to seek help when they identify a potential problem. This is why the Victorian Government is supporting the War Heritage Roadshow.”

Veterens Minister John Eren said the roadshow was part of the Victorian Government Veterans Heritage and History Strategy to safeguard our wartime legacy for future generations.

“Australia has a proud wartime history, and it’s our duty to preserve our past for future generations to cherish,” Mr Eren said.

“The War Heritage Roadshow is all about preserving and keeping artefacts that tell our story of service, and a chance to better connect with the moments that shaped our history.

“The Roadshow will provide a wonderful opportunity for Victorians to learn how to care for their precious wartime objects.”

More information is available here.