2009 National History Challenge

The National Museum of Australia is a sponsor of the National History Challenge, a research-based competition for students in Years 5–12.

The theme for the 2009 Challenge is 'Triumph over Adversity'.

The Challenge gives you the opportunity to learn the skills of an historian through an investigation of the past. We encourage you to conduct your investigation at a national level – identifying and interrogating the story, object, person or mystery that portrays the concept of 'Triumph over Adversity'. Your investigation may examine this theme reflected through personal histories, Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, social conflict, war, science and technology, the creative and performing arts, politics and the natural environment.

The closing date for entries is 11 September 2009.

For more information, visit the National History Challenge website: http://www.historychallenge.com.au/

The National Museum of Australia tells the stories of Australia through the themes of 'land', 'nation' and 'people'. It aims to explore the past, illuminate the present and imagine the future.

At the Museum we value aesthetic appeal, new ideas, innovation and creativity. We challenge you to be innovative and creative in your choice and depiction of the subject of your investigation. What can you tell us about 'Triumph over Adversity' through a museum display that relates to a specific event, topic, object or person from Australia's history?

The theme for the 2009 National History Challenge is 'Triumph over Adversity'. The Museum is asking you to consider this theme particularly through Australia's social history. This provides a tremendous opportunity to investigate events, objects, documents and other historical experiences of adversity and to examine the various impacts on Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, society, environment and government.

There are many stories in the Museum's collection of courage, research and innovation, exploration, sporting prowess, performing and visual arts, tragedy, ceremony and travel that represent experiences of hardship and adversity, tragedy and triumph. Each of the Museum's galleries includes objects which represent such stories and many historical moments during which Australians have met adversity with tenacity, resilience and creativity and thereby triumphed. Some of these stories include the story of Eddie Koiki Mabo's challenge to the legal concept of terra nullius in the High Court and the historic decision which followed; Francis Birtles, adventurer, who crossed Australia both by bicycle and in his 'Bean' car as well as driving overland from London to Melbourne in the early twentieth century; artist Tim Sharp, diagnosed at three years of age with severe and debilitating autism, who learned to communicate through his art; Minh Tam Nguyen, who invented and played a musical instrument during his few moments of rest from hard labour, while imprisoned by the People's Liberation Armed Forces of Vietnam, (also known as Vietcong); Dr Jackie Huggins, Indigenous author and activist and her work for reconciliation, Indigenous literacy, women's issues and social justice; Olga Horak, businesswoman, author and artist, who survived Auchwitz and Bergen-Belsen camps during Second World War and migrated to Australia in 1949; and the campaign fought by many Australians through the 1970s and 80s to protect the Franklin River in Tasmania.

These examples of 'Triumph over Adversity' are just a few from the collection and exhibitions of the National Museum of Australia. You may like to use one of them, or conduct some research into the Museum and locate another example.

You are invited in this special category of the National History Challenge to develop a museum display that depicts 'Triumph over Adversity in our Social History'.

You might choose to create a museum display on one of the following stories/themes:

In developing a museum display, it is important to recognise that there may be a range of different historical, social and political perspectives that you will need to consider. There may also be a variety of evidence that you need to present, which illustrates different points of view on the topic you have chosen that relates to 'Triumph over Adversity'.

Be sure to:

• identify how your chosen research topic links to the theme
• focus on testimony/witnesses to the story
• identify the social significance of your story; including its effects on values, attitudes and beliefs
• show a variety of evidence
• give your own opinion
• include community responses
• identify any government involvement
• consider how the design of your museum display might enhance the presentation of the story.

In selecting and displaying the stories, images or objects that you will use to illustrate your museum display, ensure that you place them within an appropriate historical and social context. Conduct research to learn how the stories, images or objects fit into the broader theme.

Your display should combine historical research with innovative display techniques to produce an informative, insightful and engaging exhibition on the theme of 'Triumph over Adversity in our Social History'.

In developing a museum display, consider the following:

• What stories do you want to tell? What change do you want to convey?
• Who is your audience?
• What look and feel do you want your museum display to have?How does this reflect the content?
• How would you like your audience to interact with your display? Consider building an interactive element into the display.

In addition, you should ensure that:

• labels are relevant and appropriate and support the evidence. Consider the length of your labels – how much text will your audience read?
• there is continuity of language and style throughout the display
• your display is supported by historical research
• different media – for example audio, visual and tactile – is utilised in your display where appropriate
• all objects, images, audio etc, are sourced and accredited. For example: Joe Donovan – 1974 Commonwealth Games jacket National Museum of Australia
• there is a balance of text/objects/images/audio etc (with exception of a research paper)
• your display complements the materials/information it presents
• most importantly, be creative!

In researching the topic and developing your museum display, visit your local or regional museum to find that special story of Triumph over Adversity. Visit the National Museum of Australia in Canberra if you have the opportunity, or visit online and explore the Museum's website which will give you access to many more stories of Australia's history.

Making it easy in 2009 for students and teachers.

Be inspired by our Museum galleries and collections:

• objects
• modules
• vast choice of content/subject matter
• online collections search.

And by our Education programs:

• Investigating Sources
• Interpreting the Museum.

For more information contact:

National History Challenge
National Museum of Australia
Education Section
GPO Box 1901
Canberra ACT 2601

Ph: 02 6208 5119
Fax: 02 6208 5198
Email: education@nma.gov.au
Website: www.nma.gov.au/education