Lionel Arthur Gilbert OAM CF (8 December 1924 – 28 January 2015) was an Australian historian, author, curator, lecturer, and biographer, specializing in applied, natural, and local history.

During his time with the college, Gilbert published a number of articles, papers, and books, many of them focusing on local history of New South Wales, including the state's New England area.

That year, he accepted an appointment as headmaster of Rocky River Primary School near Uralla, New South Wales, a position he held until 1961.

In this capacity, Gilbert taught weekend classes on the methodology of local history for the university's adult education department throughout the northwest area of New South Wales.

Holding the position for 21 years, he guided expansion of the facility to better present the history of education in Australia.

[1][2][3][4][7] In 1974, Gilbert successfully requested an Innovations Grant from the Schools Commission to establish a Historical Resources Centre at the college.

Opened in 1976 with Gilbert as its first director, the centre's goal was to provide education on the history of New England to primary, secondary, tertiary, and postgraduate students, and community groups.

Held in Armidale, the series helped establish a local chapter of the National Trust and the subsequent preservation of several historical colonial buildings in the area.

[1][2] In 1962, Gilbert succeeded Eric Dunlop as Honorary Curator of the Armidale City Council's Folk Museum, serving in the position until 1982.

[2][7][11] During his career at the college, Gilbert authored or co-authored a number of papers and books, particularly on Australian biographical, genealogical, and local history.

[8] In 1980, two books by Gilbert were published: A Grave Look at History: Glimpses of a Vanishing Form of Folk Art and New England from Old Photographs.

[1][14] On 12 June 1995 he was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), "In recognition of service to the community as a researcher and curator of local history in the New England region.

[7] He died in Armidale on 28 January 2015 and was survived by his wife, daughter Anne, son-in-law Tony Bennett, and grandson Alexei.