Hey History Researchers – Time to apply for the $3,000 Ron and Dianne Davidson Scholarship!

Wow! Thanks to the fantastic support of Fremantle Ports Community Investment programme, the Fremantle History Society – or FHS – is offering the $3000.00 Ron and Dianne Davidson Scholarship for original research on an aspect of Fremantle History. Here’s the detail as laid out by FHS.

The Scholarship  is named for Ron and Dianne Davidson, the founding members of FHS. It was established in 2018 to ‘encourage new, high quality research which will contribute to the understanding of the history and heritage of Fremantle and encourages new audiences to this endeavour’.

The Scholarship supports a broad approach to history and heritage and while not specifically maritime in focus, almost any historic theme chosen will be coloured and underpinned by the fact Fremantle is recognised internationally as one of the world’s best preserved 19th century port cities and, amazingly, is still operating as a working port.

As well as its intact streetscapes, Fremantle’s intangible heritage and history – social, commercial, artistic, economic, labour – is imbued in its port city origins. The activities of the port have contributed to the history of the State of Western Australia and internationally. 

The role of FHS and the Scholarship is to increase understanding of and access to our past, particularly our cultural diversity, in a way that builds understanding and community resilience. This aligns well with Fremantle Ports’ stated areas of importance including Our People and Community and Success.

Applications are called from the community as well as entry level, mid career and experienced heritage and history researchers. Applications are assessed by a panel of history and heritage experts against a series of selection criteria set out below.

The submissions must also include a research proposal, CV and a sample of writing.

The panel makes a recommendation to FHS Committee for ratification.

Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria

·       Is the research new or take a new perspective on past research/findings?

·       How well does the proposal connect to Fremantle?

·       Demonstrated ability to complete the work to a high standard within the time frame.

·       Innovative or creative approach to the chosen topic/theme.

·       Confirmation the proposed study has not been published elsewhere or submitted for another publication.

For further information, contact Jude Robison, President FHS on juderobison49@gmail.com

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