Recent events covered by Australia’s media have highlighted the complexity of social identity in this country. Object Lessons, far from being simply a book about what constitutes heritage in our relatively new nation, is a timely assessment of how ‘places and objects’ contribute to our sense of belonging and community. The 14 essays, written by both academics and heritage professionals, investigate a broad range of ‘tangible heritage’ sites, and explore how the physical manifestation of our past has a direct influence on the consciousness of contemporary—indeed, future—Australian society. A welcome influence of this book is that the popular notion of archaeology as an Indiana Jones-style hunt for relics will be quickly replaced by a keener awareness of the broad spectrum of both aboriginal and non-aboriginal heritage we have on our own doorstep. Jane Lyndon’s essay on the Blacktown Native Institution is a pertinent example of how heritage values are transformed over time, as it has only been recognised in recent times as part of the ‘stolen generations narrative’. An excellent mix of Australian history, archaeological practice and social discourse coupled with excellent writing make this a highly recommended title.