Patricia Curthoys: Anglican white females – The Rusdens of Maitland

The rich collections of correspondence between and amongst Anne Rusden, her daughters and their friends provide insights into how these women understood their religious identity, their position as white women in a settler colonial society and the ways in which these identities intersected with each other in their lives. Dr Patricia Curthoys examines how a study of these women allows for an exploration of religion, race and gender in mid-nineteenth century New South Wales, comparatively under-researched themes in this period.

Dr Patricia Curthoys works as a professional historian, primarily on Australian history projects. She has worked for academics, state and local government and other cultural institutions as well as non-government organisations. She is also an Associate of the Centre for Applied History, Macquarie University. Patricia was the 2023 Australian Religious History Fellow.