On 22 July 2025, the Australian National University had the honour of hosting Professor Victoria Haskins (University of Newcastle) for the prestigious Allan Martin Lecture. A leading historian renowned for her work in Indigenous, gender, and transnational history, Professor Haskins captivated the audience with a deeply moving and intellectually rich presentation. Her lecture focused on the lives of three South Asian ayahs - nursemaids and domestic servants - who journeyed to the Australian colonies in the 19th century.

Through fragmented archival traces, she reconstructed their stories, inviting listeners to reflect on the intersections of race, gender, and domestic labour in Australia’s settler colonial past. Rather than lamenting the scarcity of records, Haskins championed the use of empathy and imagination to illuminate the agency of these women, even within constrained circumstances. Her talk was not only a masterclass in historical methodology but also a poignant reminder of the voices often lost in traditional narratives.

Beyond the Lecture: A Week of Insight and Engagement at the ANU
Professor Haskins’ visit extended well beyond the lecture hall. She participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion on Gender and Colonial History, held in honour of Distinguished Professor Angela Woollacott. The event brought together scholars and students to explore the evolving landscape of historical research and feminist historiography.

Additionally, Haskins led a hands-on workshop for Higher Degree Research (HDR) students, focusing on innovative approaches to presenting historical research. Drawing from her award-winning online exhibition, Ayahs and Amahs – Transcolonial Servants in Australia and Britain, 1780–1945, she encouraged students to think creatively about how history can be communicated in digital and visual formats. Her presence at ANU was a source of inspiration and intellectual energy for the entire academic community.

The Allan Martin Lecture Series: Honouring a Legacy of Excellence
The Allan Martin Lecture is a cornerstone event hosted annually by the ANU School of History. Established over two decades ago through a generous endowment by Professor Beryl Rawson, herself a distinguished social historian of ancient Rome, the series commemorates the life and work of Professor Allan Martin. Martin was one of the first three doctoral students in History at ANU and is celebrated for his authoritative biographies of Henry Parkes and Robert Menzies.

More than just a lecture, the series serves as a gathering point for the broader history community, reflecting the values Martin embodied: scholarly excellence, mentorship, humility, and generosity. Each year, the lecture rekindles the spirit of inquiry and collegiality that defined Martin’s career, making it a cherished tradition within the university.