Meet Our New Archivist

Natasha Ramrakha

We are pleased to welcome Natasha to the role of College archivist and encourage members to contribute to the Trainor Owen collection she will manage. Natasha tells us a little about her background, rumour has it she counts a relative as a Fellow, get in touch and find out who.

What is your background, how did you come to museum studies?

I’ve always had a passion for history, particularly Classical Greek history. This passion, along with the inspiration provided to me by my late grandmother, led me into the field of archaeology. From there my passion grew into objects and storytelling. I came to develop a love for researching new things and exploring the past. Every artefact, no matter how small has a story, a connection to the world. The job of a historian, archaeologist and museum professional is to shine light on that connection which the artefact holds.

What is the most interesting artefact you have encountered in your career?

I think I have come across a wide and varied range of artefacts in my career. These have ranged from amphora, from the archaic period of Ancient Greece; to the first umpire goal flags used at an AFL game at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Unfortunately, most of the more interesting ones have not been published yet, so I am not able to disclose them right now.

I have been blessed enough to have been on a number of international excavations. One favourite site, of particular interest, is located at Helike in Greece. The city was destroyed by a tsunami in 373 BC, and was only rediscovered in 2001. The artefacts found there have an incredible range in age, some dating back to as early as the Bronze Age.

What are your first thoughts around the Trainor Owen collection? How can members support the collection?

It is a very interesting collection. I have not quite wrapped my head around the entire collection as yet. Based on my preliminary observations, I think there is some really amazing material, and significant research potential within the collection.

The best way to support the collection, in my view, would be through donation and engagement. The JP Trainor Archive Trust is always readily appreciative of donations and contributions of any size.

A portion of the collection is publicly available on eHive (Trainor Owen Collection on eHive.)

How can members contact you?

The best way to contact me is by email: archivist@ranzcr.edu.au