The School of History is excited to congratulate PhD candidate Catherine Horne on her postgraduate scholarship, awarded by the National Archives of Australia (NAA) and the Australian Historical Association (AHA).

Catherine was one of two candidates awarded the bi-annual scholarship for 2015-16, which supports archival research into unexplored aspects of Australia’s history. Catherine’s research is focused on women’s speech on Australian radio between 1923 and 1966 and investigates its link with women’s entry into the public sphere.

'This study will contribute to an international history of those connections and also to the histories of radio and speech in Australia,' she said. 'Radio played a significant role in 20th century life and culture here because it could bridge the vast distances within the country, as well as between Australia and the outside world'. 

'I look forward to examining scripts, internal and listener correspondence, sound recordings and radio magazines to reveal the topics, vocabularies and vocal performance styles expected of and adopted by women on the air. Sound recordings still tend to be neglected by historians and I aim to use material held at the National Archives of Australia in innovative ways.'

Joint partner, the Australian Historical Association is committed to supporting access to archival resources that enable further post-graduate research into Australian history.
'The AHA is proud to partner with the National Archives in these important scholarships,' said Professor Angela Woollacott, President of the AHA. 'This scheme provides great practical help to promising postgraduate students, while promoting access to the National Archives’ invaluable holdings.'

Once again the School of History would like to congratulate Catherine on this exciting achievement and wish her the best in her research. 

Follow the link to hear Catherine's interview on 666 ABC radio Canberra, or read the press release here.