The Tasmanian Historical Research Association Inc. (THRA) was founded in 1951 to promote research into and publication of Tasmanian history, and to assist people working in this field. It is a non-profit incorporated Association managed by a committee of volunteers.
THRA's three purposes are to enlighten, discover and publish.
Enlighten
Talks
Members can be the first to hear presentations of new historical knowledge. The Association holds eleven talks each year, open to members and the general public. Talks (except the Eldershaw Lecture) are held on the second Tuesday of every month from February to December, in the Hobart Legacy Function Rooms, 159 Macquarie Street, commencing at 8.00 pm Recordings of the talks are then made available on our podcast.
Eldershaw Memorial Lecture
Since 1968 the Association has hosted the Eldershaw Memorial Lecture at which a distinguished Australian historian speaks. It is open to the public and, indeed, members are encouraged to invite guests. Details of the venue will be advertised prior to the event. After the talk a celebratory supper is provided. A list of all our Eldershaw lecturers can be found here.
Discover
The Association conducts about four excursions a year to places of historical interest. As well as several day or part-day trips, there is sometimes a weekend excursion.
Excursions frequently visit places not open to the public. Expert guides provide information, and excursionists often enrich their journey by sharing their knowledge.
Publish
The Association publishes the journal Papers and Proceedings, books and, increasingly, digital works such as our newsletter and podcasts.
Life members
Since 1957 the committee has elected 17 honorary life members for long and distinguished service to the Association. These life members are:
1957 - Robert Sharman
1958 - Peter Eldershaw
1963 - Brigadier E.M. (Max) Dollery
1965 - Geoffrey Stilwell
1967 - Shirley Eldershaw
1990 - Michael Roe
1994 - Jean Haigh
2003 - Margaret Glover
2003 - Ann Rand
2003 - Dan Sprod
2004 - Hugh Campbell
2004 - David Dilger
2006 - Lindsay Whitham
2007 - Beth McLeod
2021 - Alison Alexander
2023 - Stefan Petrow
2024 - Ross Kelly
