30/05/2026
This afternoon, Richard Archer joined the History Talks Longford series, sharing stories of Brickendon’s past and bringing along a selection of remarkable family treasures from the archives.
Guests enjoyed a beautiful afternoon tea while taking the opportunity to view historic farm maps, photographs, World Heritage-listed convict-era diaries, and a range of personal items that have been preserved by the Archer family for generations.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the afternoon was seeing documents dating back to the 1500s. When the Archer family emigrated to Van Diemen’s Land, they quite literally packed up their lives and brought much of their history with them. More than 200 years later, some of those same records remain carefully preserved here at Brickendon.
The event was hosted by the Longford Norfolk Plains History Society. While relatively new, the society is doing outstanding work in preserving, promoting, and sharing the rich history of the Norfolk Plains region. Through events such as the History Talks Longford series, they are helping connect the community with local stories and ensuring important heritage is celebrated and remembered.
A wonderful afternoon of local history, family stories, excellent food, and a reminder that history is often found not just in buildings and landscapes, but in the objects and documents that connect generations.
