Dive into the dusty corners of history with Sean, your spirited guide to the past’s peculiar pages, as he sits down with the el capi-tan of collections herself, Jillian Hiscock. As the Collections Manager at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Jillian is no stranger to the secret lives of artefacts and the historic tales of old manuscripts. In this episode, she unlocks the vault to our 115-year-old treasure trove, revealing everything from arcane maps to bizarre books.

Join us in Jillian's metaphorical Aladdin’s cave as she shares her most exhilarating finds and the oddball oddities that captivate her historian’s heart. From her early days traipsing through the stacks of Melbourne’s grandest libraries to managing the eclectic collections of government departments, Jillian’s journey is as fascinating as the rarities she preserves.

Plus, get a sneak peek into Jillian’s ongoing project—a captivating exploration of Melbourne's libraries and bookshops, past and present. And if that's not enough, mark your calendars for her panel at the Prahran Mechanics Institute Library during Rare Books Week, where the finer points of collecting and preserving literary gems will be laid bare.

Whether you’re a bibliophile, history buff, or just love a good yarn spun from the threads of the past, this episode of the Past Lives Podcast is your ticket to adventures untold. Grab your magnifying glass and note-taking gear—history’s mysteries await!