History
The City of Clarence has a rich and varied history.
Through the Cultural History Advisory Committee, we strive to invoke a sense of identity and place in the community through encouraging participation in the cultural history of Clarence in meaningful and relevant ways. This involves projects that promote the recognition, preservation, and promotion of the cultural history of a community encourages a sense of pride and participation in a community’s cultural life.
The conservation of cultural history includes not only the preservation of the old but also the need to acknowledge the evolution of the new. It is this balance between old and new that is the hallmark of a rich and productive culture.
Policy and planning
Cultural History Plan 2018 – 2023
Council’s Cultural History Plan 2018 – 2023 provides strategic direction for Council in the area of cultural history and associated activities and events, through an emphasis on the stories that are important to the history and development of our city.
Cultural History Plan 2018 – 2023
Cultural History Advisory Committee
The Cultural History Advisory Committee was formed in 2009.
The aim of the committee is to assist with the implementation, monitoring, and review of the strategies and actions contained within the Cultural History Plan 2018-2023.
The committee provides advice and makes recommendations to assist Council with the implementation of the plan.
Projects and activities
Through the plan, a number of projects have been undertaken during past years including staging several exhibitions telling stories that are of importance to Clarence’s history, a street names interpretation project at key locations through the city, and a range of community events celebrating the history of Clarence.
History Publications
The Eastern Shore: A History of Clarence
Show / HideThe Eastern Shore: A history of Clarence was published by council in September 2003.
Written by leading historian Dr Alison Alexander, the book traces the history of Clarence from before the time of European settlement to the thriving city of 56,945 people that it is today.
Illustrated by more than 200 rare photographs, maps, and historical documents, the book gives a unique insight into the lives of the people of Clarence.
The book also traces the establishment of farming and small townships, times of development and depression, two world wars, transport, the 1967 bushfires, the Tasman Bridge disaster, achieving city status, the fight against amalgamation and many sporting and cultural events.
Copies of the book are available from Council Offices for $20.00 (discounted from $29.95).
Centenary of ANZAC: Service at Home and Abroad
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2015 marked the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. To mark the centenary, Council curated a major exhibition which was held at the Rosny Barn.
Centenary of ANZAC: Service at Home and Abroad explored the sacrifices and wartime experiences of both the service men and women who served abroad, and also the effects of the war on those left behind.
The exhibition had a special focus on the men and women of Clarence during this difficult time which forged Australia’s future identity.
Accompanying the exhibition was the associated booklet catalogue.
What Would You Take?
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What Would You Take? was an interactive exhibition that commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Black Tuesday bushfires.
In partnership with the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery and the Tasmanian Fire Service, Council developed this project which allowed the community to commemorate and reflect on the devastating impact of the 1967 fires.
This publication accompanied the exhibition and detailed local stories of the 1967 bushfires.
Hard copies of the exhibition booklet are available from Rosny Farm.
History Walks
There are several historical walks in the City of Clarence to explore. These walks can be found on our trails page.
Tasman Bridge Disaster
In 2013, Council undertook a major project to commemorate the Tasman Bridge disaster. This culminated in a major exhibition and a commemorative artwork now installed at Montagu Bay Park.
As part of this project, oral history interviews were recorded with a number of first-hand witnesses to the events of 5 January 1975.
History Groups
Show / HideBellerive Historical Society Inc.
The Bellerive Historical Society Inc. cares for a growing collection of historic images and documents and is committed to preserving the past for the future.
The public is invited to visit their history room at the old Bellerive Watch.
For more information visit the Bellerive Historical Society Facebook page, www.bellerivehistory.com or contact Michael Geard by calling 0400 974 056 or by email bellerivehistory@gmail.com.
Clarence Plains Historical Society
The Clarence Plains Historical Society has recently merged with Tranmere Clarence Plains Land and Coastcare Inc.
The Landcare group and the Historical Society share a common interest in many of the projects in the Clarence Plains area.
For more information visit the Tranmere Clarence Plains Land and Coast Care Facebook page.
Coal River Valley Historical Society Inc.
The Coal River Valley Historical Society Inc. is committed to researching and preserving the history of the area, including the historic township of Richmond.
Since 2001, the society has managed the historic National Trust property, Oak Lodge, situated on Bridge Street in Richmond.
For more information, visit www.coalriverhistory.org or email Lois Green el_green@bigpond.com.
Lindisfarne Historical Society
The Lindisfarne Historical Society was formed in 1992 and works to foster interest in our local history.
The society has developed a collection of historic photographs and information about Lindisfarne and surrounds.
For more information please visit their webpage Lindisfarne Historical Society
South Arm Peninsula Residents’ Association History Committee
The Maurice Potter History Room in the Community Centre at South Arm contains historical images and information on the people, families, places, events and history of the Peninsula. Have an interest in our history? Join the South Arm Peninsula History Facebook Group.
For more information call Michael Topfer on 0400416099 or email history@southarm.tas.au.