People and Place: The Black Mountain Oral History Project

Our June talk this year will be presented by Dr Mary Hutchison, an oral historian who is preparing an oral history of Back Mountain.

Many people have been involved in the conservation and promotion of the rich biodiversity on Black Mountain for decades, ranging from scientists to members of the public as citizen scientists and through park care activities. In 2021 the Friends of Black Mountain commenced a project to record the oral histories of nine of these people who have had significant involvement with Black Mountain since its declaration as a nature reserve in 1970. Our aim is to celebrate and preserve their legacy in the conservation of the reserve. Mary will introduce the aims and methods of oral history practice and present initial insights drawn from the progress of her interviews to date. We will also highlight how this project draws attention to the opportunities to continue to preserve and promote the natural and cultural values of Black Mountain Nature Reserve to the broader Canberra community.

When:     Wednesday 22 June, 11.30 am – 12.30 pm.  (talk and time for questions)
Where:    Theatrette, Australian National Botanic Gardens 
Booking:  Please email your name and phone number to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com , or phone Linda (0437 298 711) or Julie (6251 6972). This is required in order to comply with COVID-19 requirements and to let you know if there is a change at short notice.   

We look forward to you joining us for this talk.
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain