History Illuminated

From 30 August to 5 September 2019, fascinating stories from our past are together on the one program.

History Illuminated 2019 will inspire, inform and surprise you. With a week of presentations from over 30 authors, historians and researchers, a history cruise of Lake Macquarie, a writing Masterclass and two bus tours, the festival will illuminate the way you see history. Presented by Lake Mac Libraries in partnership with Hunter Writers Centre. Run in conjunction with NSW History Week 2019

View program by day: Saturday 31 August | Sunday 1 September | Monday 2 September | Tuesday 3 September | Wednesday 4 September | Thursday 5 September

Highlight Events:

History Illuminated Opening Night with Peter FitzSimons

Join us for canapes and champagne and enjoy an evening with Peter FitzSimons to launch History Illuminated 2019. Peter FitzSimons will reveal why he writes about history and his approach to selecting subjects, researching and writing biographies.

Bookings are essential - Book your tickets today!
Friday 30 August 
6.30pm-8.30pm 
Lake Mac Centre for Performing Arts
Tickets $40, including drinks and catering 

Masterclass: Bringing history to life with Kate Forsyth

Learn how to bring history alive in your creative writing with bestselling author, Kate Forsyth. In this intensive workshop, you will discover how to research the past and then weave it into a vivid and compelling narrative that does not feel weighed down by undigested facts. Learn what lovers of historical fiction want from their stories and how to balance actual history with your fictive story. Kate Forsyth has sold more than a million copies of her books around the world. She has a BA in literature, a MA in creative writing and a doctorate in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers.

Bookings are essential - Book your tickets today!
Saturday 31 August 
1.30pm-4.30pm
Lake Mac Centre for Performing Arts
Tickets $60

Lake Macquarie History Cruise

Did you know over the last 100 years Pulbah Island, Lake Macquarie has been home to a zoo, a destination for hunters and the place of a murder or two? Enjoy a leisurely cruise and afternoon tea with our Community History team and discover Lake Macquarie's fascinating history as you cruise from Booragul to Pulbah Island, where truth is stranger than fiction. Treat your father to a unique Father's Day gift! For catering purposes ticket sales end 26 August. Board the Lake Macquarie Cruises’ vessel from 1:15 pm at Booragul Public Wharf (off First Street, Booragul) and return at 4:30 pm. A History Illuminated 2019 event.

Bookings are essential - Book your tickets today!
Sunday 1 September
1.15pm-4.30pm
Booragul Public Wharf
Tickets $60

East Lake Macquarie History Tour with Ed Tonks

Take in the historic sites, historic remains and examine interpretive signage of Eastern Lake Macquarie on this guided tour with historian Ed Tonks.If you are a visitor, or new to the area, what a great way to discover aspects of its rich history! Board your bus at Speers Point Park carpark off Park Street (near the Swim Centre)

Bookings are essential
Tuesday 3 September
Tour 1: 9am-12pm - Book your tickets today
Tour 2: 1pm - 4pm - Book your tickets today
Off Park Street, Speers Point, NSW 2284
Tickets $30
For further details phone 4921 0541