The Airds shopping mall's future encapsulates the decline of mid-century modernism in the midst of urban neglect. Once a symbol of optimism, the area's decay reflects broader global trends in retail. From failed Radburn principles to public housing challenges, the mall's history mirrors the clash of modernism and neoliberalism in Campbelltown. Despite the despair former residents report that they recall happy memories and stories of hope growing up in the area.
Category: Historical thinking
Camden Historical Society, 60 years of local history, 1957-2017
In 2017 the Camden Historical Society celebrated its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1957 the aim of the society has been to tell the Camden story and the local identities and events that are part of it.
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The Camden Story: the historiography of the history of the country town of Camden NSW
The history of telling the story of a small community has been interpreted in different ways at different times in the past by different historians. This area of study is called the historiography. I have recently published an article on the historiography of the small country town of Camden, NSW.
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We need new ways to tell stories of the past
We need new ways to tell local stories in the face of fake news, the search for 'the truth' and a host of conspiracy theories. Stories about our past need to based on evidence from a range of credible sources. There is a need to be a historical detective.
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Making Camden History
Making Camden History tells the story of how the history of the Camden District has been written from the 19th century. It is the history of the history of the local area.
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10 things every politician should know about history
10 things every politician should know about history.
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Mundane objects tell an interesting story
Utility covers are mundane objects that tell interesting stories about the past in an area. Others consider then to be a form of street art and street aesthetic.
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Exploring Camden Realism: Art as storytelling
Camden Realism is an art style emerging in the Macarthur region, characterized by storytelling through representational artworks. Artists like Nola Tegel and Patricia Johnston, influenced by Alan Baker, capture local history and change. Exhibitions at Campbelltown Arts Centre showcase their work, reflecting the evolving landscape and community identity.
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Macarthur Bridge
The Macarthur Bridge across the Nepean River at Camden NSW is an important engineering heritage item.
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Macarthur regional newspaper history
The story of hard-bitten local newspaper identities and their publications has been told in a recent article published in British academic journal Media History. Local author and historian Ian Willis details the travails of local reporters, printers, owners, and others who made the news across the region for over 140 years.
