History students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) this week stepped into the Chifley Home Museum and Education Centre in Bathurst to glimpse the life of former Prime Minister Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth.CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences history tutor Mr Nathan Down said about 30 students visited the Centre because of its pertinence to the theme in the unit The Short Twentieth Century (One) which examined the interwar period."This subject explores major political, social, economic, and intellectual developments in world history, from 1914 to 1945," Mr Down said. "This week we focused on the importance of primary historical sources, particularly oral history. The subject examines methodological issues important to the applied study of history, and we decided to use the tangible nature and function of primary source material in our local 'backyard'."We are fortunate to reside in a city with so many historical points of interest that are accessible to both the public and the University. It makes perfect and practical sense that we introduce local history into our subject's learning outcomes and the discipline more generally. The Chifley Home visit allowed students to find, identify and classify different historical sources that highlight this period of the 20th Century."Current Charles Sturt University academic and past curator of the Chifley Museum, Mr Sam Malloy, provided a detailed insight into Ben and Elizabeth Chifley's longstanding relationship with the Bathurst community, and the Museum provided additional imaginative context."Mr Down said the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will continue to engage with the local community, and upcoming historical field days will further strengthen the bonds between the University and the Bathurst community.