Posters, ghost signs and billboards
We’ve had our share of memorable advertising and the recent use of the Sydney Opera House as a ‘billboard’ is without a doubt one of the most controversial.
Urban life 1850s 1920s 1930s 1970s
Nicole Cama
Historian
My aim is to engage and inspire audiences with stories from the past in creative ways
I'm a professional historian who specialises in social and public history, cultural collections and heritage research and interpretation. I have worked on projects for the City of Sydney, Dictionary of Sydney, IP Australia and more.
What I do
Research
Investigate and collate historical sources on a particular topic, individual, place, object(s) or time.
Analysis
Organise and interpret historical evidence, critically assessing its reliability and significance.
Production
Create engaging historical narratives for a wide audience based on research and analysis of evidence.
Publication
Publish or present historical narratives across a number of formats such as online, print, broadcast, in person.
"Nicole is a highly regarded consulting historian who works with and for a range of diverse history and community organisations and museums. Her outputs are produced to a very high standard, she is professional and prompt in her communications, never misses deadlines and she pays excellent attention to detail."
"In my many dealings with Nicole since 2013, I have found her articulate, innovative, well organised, and a superb researcher and writer with an excellent track record in meeting deadlines. She also has particularly strong social media skills. She is always pleasant to deal with. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Nicole as an historical consultant."
Featured Projects
Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
A digital history project mapping the people and places of Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst from the 1840s to the 1940s.
The project encompassed almost 4,000 assessment book entries, 92 maps, 250 images, 65 architectural plans, and thousands of newspaper articles.
Visit the website →
The Ultimo Roll of Honour
Several years ago, in a small attic of the former Ultimo Presbyterian Church, a handyman stumbled across a three-panelled wooden World War I honour board.
While there are many stories about the movement of the honour roll that remain unknown, the stories behind the 36 names on the board are a poignant insight into the lives of the men who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and the effects of the war on the Ultimo community.
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From Calabria with love
On 25 1953, Teresina Caccamo donned her wedding dress and made her way to the local church in Taurianova in Calabria, Italy. She proceeded up the aisle, but it wasn't her fiancé who greeted her at the altar.
As the wedding bells chimed and the celebrations commenced, across the other side of the world the real groom was working in Australia's largest foundry in Sydney. All it took was a photograph for Giovanni Cama to decide he wanted to marry Teresina. This is their story.
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The island laboratory
Picturesque Sydney Harbour has 13 islands, each with its own fascinating history. One of them, Rodd Island, was once converted into a laboratory in the late 19th century.
Science Maritime 1840s 1870s 1880s 1890s
The art of interview
On Monday I attended a seminar presented by the Walkley Foundation, ‘The art of interview’, which have provided some valuable insights for oral history.
Public history
Historic Sydenham pub gutted by fire
On Monday we heard that the 86-year-old General Gordon Hotel in Sydenham had been gutted by a ferocious fire. I spoke about it’s history on 2SER.
Architecture Food & drink 1880s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s
Women Trailblazers: Pearl Gibbs
The exhibition, Blaze, features fascinating stories of women trailblazers including that of the Aboriginal activist, Pearl Gibbs.
Aboriginal history Activism Women 1900s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s