In my recently published book A Private Empire, I explore the British empire through the eyes and experiences of a single Scottish family. Beginning in 1757, successive generations of the Macphersons of Blairgowrie travelled the world, with lengthy stays in India, Guyana and Australia, leaving a detailed record of their experiences in an extraordinary family archive.

 

As I was writing the book, I tended to see it as an experiment in ‘transgenerational history’. In this seminar I plan to reflect on what that term might mean, and what benefits and risks might come with it

 

Stephen Foster is an adjunct in RSHA. He previously developed ANU’s Museums and Collections program, and before that was a member of the executive at the National Museum. His publications and other works include The making of the Australian National University 1946-1996, CDs on federation and democracy, and many exhibitions.