Objects and collections
Objects and collections of state significance
Resources and advice for heritage collections
Introduction
Heritage objects and collections are important in Victoria's history and are of special value for present and future generations. They allow us to see how our world relates to the past, and to better understand our own place in history.
Heritage objects and collections include furniture, clothing, ceremonial items, flags and banners and agricultural machinery.
In Victoria, heritage objects can be given legal protection by being included in the Victorian Heritage Register. The Heritage Act 1995 sets out guidelines for criteria to be applied when assessing places or objects nominated for inclusion.
Objects and collections of state significance
Objects can be included on the Victorian Heritage Register as part of a heritage place, or in its own right.
Examples of objects/collections included in their own right:
Objects and collections included in the Victorian Heritage Register are considered to have 'state-wide' cultural heritage significance and be important to all Victorians.
Please note: Objects and collections registered in association with a heritage place may not always be of state-wide significance on their own, but must contribute to the importance of the place at a state level.
Caring for heritage places and objects information leaflet.
Significance assessment
A significance assessment is a document that:
- Investigates and documents the meanings and values of heritage objects and collections.
- Identifies and describe how and why an object or collection is important, and to whom.
- Might identify or recommend a level or threshold of importance, eg. local significance.
Local significance indicates a place or object is characteristic of a community's local history.
State-wide significance means the place or object contributes to a broader understanding of Victoria and its history.
Statements of significance help owners and custodians to:
- broaden their understanding of the heritage values associated with an object or collection
- prioritise collection management and conservation activities
- interpret the heritage values of objects and collections to a variety of audiences
- seek funding opportunities for conservation and interpretation projects
A statement of significance becomes the basis for policy and management decisions that affect the long term research, conservation and interpretation of the object or collection by residents, visitors, authorities and institutions.
Resources and advice for heritage collections
Resources to help people manage their community collections.
Topics include:
- Consultants
- Significance assessment
- Management plans
- Preservation needs/collection risk assessments
- Digitisation of fragile items within collections
- Cataloguing and documentation of collections
Objects and collections management plan guidance
Managing heritage collections - useful contacts
Significance assessment of objects and collections
'Caring for heritage places and objects' information leaflet (PDF 101 KB)