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Following a career in public relations, coordinating exhibitions of Australian art in Australia and Britain, Jennifer attended the Australian National University where she studied archaeology, anthropology and history. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1993. Her long term research interest in Australia’s mining history led to postgraduate research at the University of Canberra’s Cultural Heritage Research Centre. In 1998 she was awarded the Degree of Master of Applied Science (Cultural Heritage) for her thesis: Imprints in the Dust: Historical and archaeological evidence of mining methods used on goldfields in south-eastern NSW and north-eastern Victoria during the 19th and early 20th century.

In 2007, Jennifer was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), for her thesis: Masonic Influence in the Settlement, Pastoral and Commercial Development of the Colony of New South Wales: 1788 - 1860. Research into the activities of Samuel Clayton, an Irish engraver and silversmith who instigated the establishment of the first Masonic lodge in New South Wales, revealed preferential treatment of convicts who were Freemasons. The growth of the Masonic movement in the Colony, and the influence of its members, proved to be an integral part of commercial and pastoral expansion. Extensive land holdings, work contracts and commissions were granted to Freemasons, particularly during the Macquarie era.

Dr Jennifer Lambert Tracey