Those with a love of history, and especially the researching and writing of it, are in for a treat on June 19 when Hobsons Bay Libraries hosts acclaimed author Jonathan Butler for a presentation and workshop on tracing lost histories.
It’s a topic Butler is well versed in given it formed basis of his award winning 2022 debut, ‘The Boy in the Dress’ which investigated the 1944 murder of his relative, Warwick Meale, in Townsville.
A young soldier based in Townsville during WWII, Meale’s sexuality was known to have raised suspicions among local police, suspicions that were noticeably absent when he was later found murdered and police were responsible for finding his killer.
In fact, neither the police nor the army conducted a proper investigation into Meale’s death and his murder remained unsolved for nearly 80 years until his descendent, Butler, dusted off the case.
In investigating Meale’s death, Butler also uncovered secrets about life on the home front, including state-sponsored homophobia, rampant violence, substance abuse, lies and corruption.
In his workshop, Butler will explain how he did this and how to go about tracing the stories of other marginalised or erased figures from the past such as homosexuals, refugees, convicts, Indigenous peoples, adopted children and children born to unmarried parents.
The workshop will be held at the Newport Mechanics Hall inside the Newport Community Hub, from 1-4pm on Thursday, June 19.
Entry is free but bookings are required and participants are advised to bring a laptop or notebook.
