Fiona Poulton

Author, Historian

Fiona is driven in her work to bring the past to life and to create histories that are accessible and engaging for a range of different audiences. She particularly loves the thrill of research, digging through archives and collections, and working with communities to uncover memories and stories. Fiona is an experienced heritage practitioner and oral historian and is inspired by the potential of digital technologies to transform the way that we present history, using individual voices to add a richly personal quality to a story.

Fiona has co-authored several books, including histories of the Monash Business School, Victorian AIDS Council, and the City of Melton. Boroondara Remembers: Stories of World War I received a Victorian Community History Award in 2015.

What other jobs have you had?

I had a very cushy job in university administration and gave it up to do history full time – a decision I have never regretted!

What themes are recurring in your work?

Wartime, education, migration, urban and regional development, women’s stories, community

What have been the highlights of your career?

Almost every day is a highlight! I love that every day is different and that I get to work with lots of diverse people and communities. I’m particularly lucky to work with team Way Back When, and other inspiring historians and creatives.

What are you passionate about?

Research is my absolute favourite part of my job. I find the detective work thrilling and addictive! Accessing private collections and speaking with people about their memories and stories is a huge privilege

Fiona is a Way Back When historian. Read more about the Way Back When Historians and their history sessions here.