The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Where it all started
Professional Heritage Management

Joanne Birkl, founder and CEO of The History Company:

“My family always had an interest in genealogy, making sure that all old papers, documents, and photographs were kept. When my father turned seventy, I decided to give him his collection in the correct archival order. But I had to learn how to do it first!

From that point my interest grew, and when I was given charge of archives as one of my duties at the school where I was head teacher of history, I realised I needed to learn more”.

Education of an archivist

Initially I attended a weeklong conservation course at the University of NSW and I was hooked! It lead to a Masters degree in history and a Diploma in Information Management (Archives).
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach Blog
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

First commercial clients

Stemming from contacts made during my university studies, I acquired my first major client – an organisation with a rich and long history that also presented large events. That core client remained with The History Company for 30 years, allowing us to grow and diversify our client base. Involvement with a NSW grant program to help Historical Societies look after their collections was another major turning point.

The winning of a National Library Preservation Grant to bring safety and order to the archive of another of our clients was a further coup.

Our Company

Some clients come to us with a functioning archive that needs attention or ongoing management; others contact us about unloved collections with poor systems; while others reveal they have records stashed in overflowing cupboards. Whatever the level of need, I’ve never lost my interest in the fascinating contents of clients’ archives, or the process of bringing order to them so they can be properly used.

Over the years we have refined what we do, what products we use, and who we work with professionally to bring the best of all services to clients.
Professional Heritage Management
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Our Team

Our core staff are professional archivists, each with their own special areas of expertise. Assisting them are trained ancillary archivists. We also work with a range of other skilled professionals to provide other services including: museum curation, professional writing, research, and conservation. 

When we meet for your initial assessment, we can discuss the team that best suits your project.

Now

Times are changing. COVID-19 restricted access to sites. More people work from home. Scrapbooking has become a huge phenomenon in the heritage industry. But upheaval fosters innovation. 

Technology has given us not only the ability to continue our work but to conduct it in a whole new collaborative way: WE DO IT, YOU DO IT, WE DO IT TOGETHER.
Professional Heritage Management
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

The Diversity of Clients’ We Serve

The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Schools

A school archive is different from an official school records system. A school archive curates the history of the school and its identity to provide a lasting legacy. Well-developed school archives become valuable assets for administrators and alumni groups to draw upon. They also provide creative learning opportunities for current students.
Research and Archive Specialists Australia

Not-for-Profit organisations

Most not-for-profit organisations have a very specific reason for existing. Their archives need to reflect this purpose, protecting foundation stories and recording the ongoing collective endeavours that keep these organisations running. These archival collections hold rich material for marketing and fundraising campaigns.
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Companies

Company archives exist to serve business goals, enhance brands and engage customers and staff.
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Religious institutions

Religious archives relate to tradition and faith, and in the case of the Catholic Church, the religious orders of which they are comprised.
Professional Heritage Management

Local Government

At local council level, archives hold records about the running of the council, its staff and projects. Property records, plans, and statutory documentation predominate.
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Special collections and professional papers

Special collections, professional papers and private papers may contain the records of individuals or specific events and projects. They often have strong family ties and high social significance.
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Estates and family collections

Family collections often contain all the elements and materials found in large archives, just on a smaller scale. Items might be inherited, collected as part of a genealogy project, or even created on a regular basis, such as recording a child’s progress at school.
Book Your Free Company Archive Evaluation and Estimate Session

University Colleges

University College archives keep institution-specific materials relating to operations, history and traditions. Designed to serve administrators, alumni, and the public, the identity-rich assets they hold are also invaluable for marketing.
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Historical Societies

As organisations seeking to preserve and promote interest in a specific area, these collections hold the full gamut of documents and memorabilia.
The History Company Are Traditional Archivists With A Modern Approach

Museums

While they primarily collect and display, museums also need archives to provide background information about items, as well as social history context.

Book an Archiving Briefing Session

The first step toward order, compliance, and peace of mind.

In a 30-minute conversation with The History Company, you’ll get expert insight into your records or collection and walk away with clear next steps. No jargon. No guesswork. Just a real conversation with an archivist who understands Australian standards.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

  • Clarity on what must be kept, and for how long
  • Professional advice on compliance and preservation risks
  • A sounding board to test your current systems or concerns
  • A tailored set of recommendations for your organisation
  • Confidence that your records are secure, discoverable, and future-proof

Work With The History Company

Let’s have a conversation about your records and design an archive system that works in practice, not just on paper.

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