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I often describe myself as a librarian of THINGS. I’m responsible for managing a vast array of objects and histories in the History and Technology collection, making sure they are catalogued, housed, and transported in a way that enables their preservation and ongoing access.

I have a particular interest in clothing and textiles, hazardous substances, feminist and queer histories, and protest collections. I love solving collection mysteries and sharing gems from the collection with the community. I’ve co-written procedures for the management of Scheduled Poisons and Pharmaceuticals, Firearms and Prohibited Weapons. I’ve also overseen the registration and rehousing of Jenny Bannister’s fashion archive, and contributed to projects such as Fashion Redux and Nocturnal.

I started at Museums Victoria in 2013 as an Assistant Collection Manager and Curator on the Kodak Heritage Collection before moving into my current role. My background is in Australian/Pacific historical studies and historiography. My honours thesis centred on historical narrative in museum labelling, which led to work at Queensland Museum in their history and technology collections, focusing particularly on mid-century subtropical fashions and historical photographic equipment. Since making the move south, I’ve embraced the rich arts and culture scene here on the lands of the Wurundjeri people and continue to learn and care for collections that illustrate Victoria’s history.

Qualifications

Bachelor Arts (Honours) – First Class, Queensland University of Technology, 2008-2009

Bachelor of  Arts (Society and Change)/Bachelor of Creative Industries (Interdisciplinary), Queensland University of Technology, 2004-2008

Key publications

Perkins, H. Dyson, M. Manallack, J., ‘Collection Managers Without a Collection’ Australasian Registrars Committee Journal, vol 80, 2021

Presentations

Perkins, H. ‘Mixing up the Medicine: Identification and Subsequent Control and Housing Strategies for the Pharmaceutical Collections’, Museums Victoria, ARC Conference, 10-11 March 2022 

Perkins, H. ‘Nitrates’, Museums Victoria Lecture Series 2018

Kinsey, F. & Perkins, H. ‘Echoes of Industry: Tracing The Evolution of Kodak Australasia Through Its Oral and Visual Record’, AHA Conference, From Boom To Bust, Federation University, Ballarat, 4-8 July 2016.

Professional Memberships

Australasian Registrar’s Committee