Organisation history

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Preserve and document the history, achievements and enduring legacy of an organisation through rigorous historical research.

Every organisation has a story. Historical research can uncover the people, events, decisions and achievements that shaped an organisation over time. An Organisation history can preserve institutional knowledge, celebrate achievements and create a lasting record for future generations, whether documenting the history of a business, sporting club, school, church, community organisation or professional association.

Organisation types

Michael undertakes research relating to:

Businesses and companies
Family-owned enterprises
Community organisations
Sporting clubs
Professional associations
Schools and educational institutions
Religious organisations
Not-for-profit organisations
Industry bodies
Government and public sector organisations

Typical research sources

Research may include the following sources depending on the nature of the project:

Organisational records
Annual reports
Board and committee minutes
Historical newspapers
Newsletters and publications
Photographs and audiovisual materials
Corporate archives
Government records
Oral history interviews
Personal papers and collections
Websites and digital archives

Research questions and deliverables

Every historical research project begins with a question. The nature of the question influences the scope of the research and the final deliverable, for example:

The final deliverable will depend on the research question, availability of historical evidence and client objectives.

Case studies

The following case studies illustrate how historical research can help answer specific questions and produce deliverables tailored to client needs.

Why commission an Organisation history?

Organisation histories can:

Preserve institutional knowledge.
Capture the experiences of founders, leaders, employees and volunteers.
Celebrate significant anniversaries and milestones.
Document organisational achievements and contributions.
Strengthen organisational identity and culture.
Create a lasting historical record for future generations.

Ready to explore the history of your organisation?

Complete the Contact Form to discuss your project.

Organisation types

A regional sporting club is preparing to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. The committee wishes to document the club's history, recognise significant achievements and preserve the stories of players, officials and volunteers who contributed to its success.

The committee's fundamental research question is "What are the key dates, milestones and achievements in the history of our club?"

The committee receives an Organisation Timeline. This includes significant dates relating to the club's formation, major achievements, premierships, facility developments, notable individuals and important events. The timeline is supported by photographs, newspaper articles and documentary sources and can be used in anniversary publications, displays, presentations, websites and social media content.

A second-generation family business is approaching its seventy-fifth year of operation. The owners wish to better understand the history of the business, document its development over time and preserve information about the people who helped build the organisation.

Their fundamental research question is "What is the detailed history of our organisation and how has it evolved since its establishment?"

The owners receive an Organisation Detail Report. This includes a historical timeline, written organisational history, photographs, documentary evidence, profiles of significant individuals and a detailed reference list of sources which underpin the research.

The private owner of a regional commercial radio network has spent more than forty years building and operating radio stations across regional Australia. As retirement approaches, he wishes to create a legacy publication documenting the history of the organisation he helped build, preserve the stories of the people who contributed to its success and leave a lasting record for future generations of staff, family members and industry participants.

His fundamental research question is "What is the complete history of this organisation from its establishment to the present day, including its people, stations, achievements, challenges and contribution to regional Australia?"

The owner receives an Organisation History Book or Monograph. This includes a comprehensive written history of the organisation from its founding to the present day, historical timelines, photographs, archival material, profiles of significant individuals, major milestones, industry context and a detailed reference list of sources which underpin the research. The completed work is published as a professionally designed book or monograph which preserves the organisation's story and serves as a lasting historical record of the owner's contribution and legacy.

Typical research sources

Research questions and deliverables

Case studies

Why commission an Organisation history?