The History, Heritage and Archives Section is committed to the preservation and promotion of the College’s rich history, spanning over 100 years in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. 
 
The College’s vast historical collection features artefacts, photographs, documents and artworks, with an Australian and New Zealand focus. These including medical instruments that have advanced surgery and  unique collections such as those from the Queen’s Hospital, Sidcup. The Cowlishaw rare book collection is also a significant part of the heritage collection.
 
The Collection houses portraits of past College presidents and Surgeons of great merit including, College founders like Hugh Devine and Ivor Hele’s portrait of Sir Henry Newland, the Archibald Prize winner for 1954. 
 
The History, Heritage and Archives Section gives others the opportunity to not only assist in conservation of the College’s history, while acknowledging changes in surgery, its successes and challenges, for all those with a passion for surgical history and an interest in the College’s extensive collections.
 
As the RACS Centenary is fast approaching, the History, Heritage and Archives Section will play a crucial role in developing the theme, events and celebrations. 

The History, Heritage and Archives Section plans to expand its activities with involvement in the Centenary and upcoming projects such as Rare Book Week and the Royal Historical Society of Victoria’s History Month. Increasing our membership base of the Section, will allow voices from all states & territories and across all surgical specialties, to contribute. 
 
We welcome your participation to join The History, Heritage and Archives Section as a valued member to continue our work. 

To join the section, please email [email protected]

Professor Christopher Pyke
Chair, History, Heritage and Archives – On Behalf of the History, Heritage and Archives Section.