Historic Heritage & Research
Preserving the Stories of Yesterday
Historic places often have quite a story to tell.
Historical archaeology is the study of places of relatively recent origin, where there are usually written records to contextualize the heritage and history of the place. Historical research is required to access this recorded material, giving a richer narrative of the places being investigated.
ACHM undertake historical research and archaeological investigations of any scope and scale on historical places. We prepare conservation management plans to inform the management of historical places and assist property owners with heritage interpretation, permits or heritage impact statements.
Why Choose ACHM
Experienced Team
Our anthropologists and archaeologists bring decades of skill and expertise to every project.
Nationwide Reach
From urban developments to remote communities, we operate across Australia.
Reputation of Excellence
Trusted by clients for our professionalism, accuracy, and commitment to cultural preservation.
Let’s Get Your Project Started
How we do it
There is a range of themes that historical archaeology aims to explore. They are:
- the nature and processes of settlement and cultural adaptation;
- class, status and ethnic differences between social groups;
- the archaeology of conflict;
- innovation and adaptation;
- institutions and systems, (i.e. prisons or agriculture) and
- environmental change.
Case Studies
Testimonials
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Sector Manager | Millar Merrigan
ACHM has consistently provided us with expert advice on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans. They’re great to work with—professional, competitively priced, and reliable in meeting timeframes. Their practical approach and responsiveness make them a valued partner on our projects.
Chief Executive Officer | Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
ACHM are engaged extensively across Banjima Country and they provide exceptional expertise, professionalism, customer service and a genuine passion for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. ACHM goes beyond mere consultancy through consistently delivering professional services, solutions and best practice in every thing they do.
Senior Development Manager | Dav Consulting
We recently engaged ACHM to manage extensive Cultural Heritage Artefact Salvage Operations for an expansive and complex greenfields development site on north side of Melbourne. The diligence, open communication, efficiency and positive outcomes achieved by the ACHM Team, including in their coordination and management of the local RAP, was first class, and made my job as Development Manager substantially easier. Cannot recommend highly enough
Senior Development Manager | Avid
I have been a client of ACHM for over a decade and have engaged their services across four large-scale projects. Throughout this time, their dedication and professionalism have remained consistently impressive. ACHM excels at managing client expectations while operating sensitively within complex environments. They are highly skilled at guiding clients through cultural heritage approval processes, striking the delicate balance between client priorities and cultural sensitivities. I highly recommend ACHM for their expertise and commitment.
ABIGroup
We wish to thank yourself, Erica Walther and Shaun Canning who have at all times been professional, free to discuss potential options and provide feedback on the status of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans. We have found the ACHM team to be knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.
Environmental Coordinator, GMW Connections Project
ACHM have provided us with numerous due diligence assessments and Cultural Heritage Management Plans to both standard and complex level. They approach their scope with our project timeframes and budgets in mind, and I know I can rely on them to get the best outcome for these projects. ACHM provide pragmatic staff with great traditional owner relationships allowing for quick turnaround times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is historical archaeology and how does it differ from Aboriginal cultural heritage?
Historical archaeology is the study of relatively recent places, typically post-European contact, where written records can contextualise the physical evidence of past human activity. It differs from Aboriginal cultural heritage, where the focus is on the tangible and intangible heritage of Aboriginal peoples. Both disciplines may apply to the same project site and often work in tandem on major urban, infrastructure and resources projects.
What is a heritage impact statement and when is one required?
A heritage impact statement assesses the effect of a proposed development, change of use, or alteration on the fabric and significance of a heritage-listed place. It is typically required by state or local heritage authorities as part of a development application or planning permit process where a listed place, precinct or item is affected by the proposed works. The statement must be prepared by a qualified heritage consultant.
What is a conservation management plan and who needs one?
A conservation management plan (CMP) is a document that identifies the cultural significance of a heritage place and sets out policies for its conservation and management. CMPs are typically required for heritage-listed buildings, precincts and landscapes before alterations or new development can be approved. They are commissioned by property owners, government agencies, developers and institutions responsible for significant historic places.
What themes does historical archaeology investigate?
Historical archaeology investigates themes including the nature and processes of settlement and cultural adaptation, class and ethnic differences between social groups, the archaeology of conflict, institutional systems such as prisons and agricultural stations, innovation and environmental change. These themes enrich the narratives of the places being investigated, drawing on written records alongside physical archaeological evidence.
Can historical research support a development application or planning permit?
Yes. Historical research and archival investigation is regularly required to support development applications and planning permits where a heritage-listed place, precinct or item is involved. Australian Cultural Heritage Management prepares heritage impact statements, archival reports and conservation management plans that meet the documentary standards required by state, territory and local heritage authorities across Australia.
What is a heritage interpretation and how does it help property owners?
Heritage interpretation is the process of communicating the historical and cultural significance of a place in ways that are accessible and meaningful to owners, users and the public. At Australian Cultural Heritage Management, heritage interpretation services assist property owners to understand what their place means, meet obligations to heritage authorities, develop visitor experiences, and make informed decisions about conservation and adaptive reuse.
What legislation governs historic heritage in Australia?
Historic heritage in Australia is governed through a hierarchy of Commonwealth, state and territory legislation. At the national level, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) provides for the protection of places included on the World Heritage List, National Heritage List and Commonwealth Heritage List. At the state and territory level, historic heritage is regulated by jurisdiction-specific legislation, including the Heritage Act 2017 (Vic), Heritage Act 1977 (NSW), Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 (WA), and equivalent legislation in other jurisdictions. Local government planning controls, such as heritage overlays, heritage conservation areas and local heritage schedules, also play an important role in identifying and managing heritage places
Does historical archaeology apply to mining and resources projects?
Yes. Mining, resources and infrastructure projects frequently encounter historic-era heritage, including pastoral stations, mining camps, early transport infrastructure, and evidence of colonial settlement. Australian Cultural Heritage Management provides historical archaeological investigations, archival research and heritage impact assessments for resources and infrastructure proponents, ensuring historic heritage obligations are managed on time and on budget alongside Aboriginal cultural heritage requirements.
What is the difference between a heritage permit and a heritage impact statement?
A heritage impact statement (HIS) assesses the potential effects of proposed works on a heritage place and is submitted as part of a development or planning application. A heritage permit is the formal approval issued by the relevant heritage authority, often required before works affecting a heritage place can proceed. The HIS typically forms part of the application that leads to a heritage permit being granted.
Who should I engage for a historical heritage assessment in Australia?
Engage a consultant with qualified historians, archaeologists and heritage specialists on staff who have experience in archival research, conservation management planning, heritage impact assessment, and the applicable state or local heritage legislation. Australian Cultural Heritage Management provides historical heritage assessments of any scope and scale across all Australian states and territories.
Need Expert Cultural Heritage Support for Your Project?
ACHM is here to help. Call us today on 1300 724 913 or email us for more information.