history here
about
The History Here project is an award winning initiative of the Project Zone and represents a potent collaboration between the Department of Education’s videoconference hub DART Connections, NSW Primary Schools, Regional Museums, Mitchell State Library NSW, National Maritime Museum, Regional Historical Societies and various regional government agencies and community service providers.
Paul’s passion for historical fiction, and Vince’s passion for filmmaking led them to establish History Here, a whole-of-community filmmaking project that encourages students to interrogate & reinterpret the stories that define their lived environment. The program was selected to showcase the projects funded by Office of Premier & Cabinet’s Community Grants program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE1HK9gTJgs
History Here utilises a project based learning model centred on school students making short films about an historical incident or character in their immediate area, with content based on the students’ interactions with senior citizens and follow-up research Students draft the scripts, star in the films, operate cameras, edit footage and devise promotional strategies including media interviews, poster design, ticket sales and DVD merchandising.
The films are then screened or web streamed in community venues such as cinemas, theatres, citizen halls, aged care facilities. Screening of films also take place in participating school halls, to help draw parents, seniors & any interested parties into the schools after hours, emphasising the school as the hub of the community.
History Here is coordinated by The Project Zone, whose creative directors Vince Lovecchio and Paul Stafford work with senior citizens, historians, local museums, historical societies and students and teachers from regional NSW schools to tell local historical stories in film format. Access to the schools via videoconference allows artists to cover a large area in regional NSW at low cost and builds capacity in students & teachers to create new material (writing & film) based on their
local history.
History Here films are proudly funded by the NSW Government through the NSW Heritage Grants Program.
museum archives
Regional Museums receive a professionally edited version of each of the History Here student films produced. As a key project partners, Museum commit to create and maintain a History Here film archive made accessible to community.The archive also provides source material for the museums educational programs and public exhibitions. Web Video Archive: All student produced History Here films are uploaded to an accessible online video platform.
research partners
Project participants conduct historical research using the Mitchell State Library Learning Centre, local historical sources, Trove, and local Historical Societies, before storyboarding & drafting a final filmable script.
