Who am I?

Who am I?  My name is Jennifer Perry – and I answer to any version of my first name. I live in north Queensland, in Mackay and was raised on a farm just outside of Rockhampton in central Queensland.

I am working on a few projects at the moment – all history based with a particular focus on women and history.  Not only finding women in history but the place of history in women’s lives today.  A philosopher and historian[1] once remarked any journey into the past begins with a question about our life today, something we want to understand now. And that really sums up what has motivated me to undertake my research and creative pursuits. I don't go into the past simply because I'm interested in the past. I go there because I have questions about my life now.

In 2015 I developed a program for women in which they explored the life of one of their own female ancestors.  Who do you think she is?  is an 8-week program where women develop and practice historical research skills; not only the genealogical bones of their ancestor’s life but the social, political and cultural influences on that life. The program is female-only space; a place where women can explore their stories through a female lens. The feedback has been positive with women commenting they not only know about their ancestor but about themselves as well. 

I have researched a lot of my family story and have completed studies in History.  And I have mixed this in with my work experience in human services – and my own personal life experiences.  It has proven to be a solid foundation for connecting with other women in understanding what is happening in our lives today. We all benefit through understanding the context of our lives.  Seeing the changes and influences on our family line affords each of us a deeper and broader perspective on why things are the way they are today.  And when we build that understanding we are then able to make more informed and constructive decisions in our relationships, practices, and outlook.

I continue delivering the program today and I never cease to learn from each participant.  It is an enriching experience.  When I stepped through the door of the program, I never imagined it would take me in the directions I am now travelling in terms of historical and creative projects. I would like to share my journey through each of these projects with you: maybe you would like to share your projects, maybe we can inspire each other.  

I am 68 years old as I write here and I am developing skills and insight, I would never have thought possible as a younger person.  Perhaps that is one of the things I have learned through all of this: we don't necessarily know who we are at any one point in our lives. Sometimes we have to keep looking, asking questions and following the unexpected doors that open.

Mind you I can still forget what I had for breakfast yesterday …

[1] Benedetto Groce