Archive for 2022

The lighthouse, Cape Schanck, Vic., [ca.1917] Shirley Jones collection of Victorian postcards. H90.140/264.

Beacons of hope: Victorian lighthouses

August 26, 2022

Victorian history:

Standing tall on rugged coastlines, lighthouses captivate the imagination. Dotting the Victorian coastline, they were lifesavers for ships navigating treacherous seas, seeking a safe harbour.

The public bar, Hancock's Essendon Hotel
Commercial Photographic Co., photographers.

How to research your ancestor’s occupation

August 22, 2022

Family matters, Research guides, Research tips & tricks:

Welcome to National Family History Month! Each week of August we will publish a new family history blog to help you with your research. In this week’s blog we look at how to trace your ancestor’s working life by exploring a range of occupational records.

Strange attractors: Australian science fiction at SLV 

Strange attractors: Australian science fiction at SLV 

August 18, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Science fiction often focuses on the outward exploration of space and new worlds. In contrast, Australian science fiction writing is dominated by dystopic settings, featuring characters alienated from society. This blog post highlights some of the best Australian SF in the Library’s collection.

Nurse attending two wounded soldiers.

Hospital records for family history

August 15, 2022

Collections, Family matters, Research guides, Research tips & tricks:

Welcome to National Family History Month! Each week of August we will publish a new family history blog to help you with your research. In this week’s blog we look at how to research your ancestor’s health by exploring historical hospital records.

Online Collection Spotlight: Proquest Ebook  Central: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Collection

Online Collection Spotlight: Proquest Ebook Central: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Collection

August 11, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Do you want to learn more about cultural appropriation and its impacts?  Have you read Homer’s Odyssey and wondered ‘what about the women’s stories?’ Are you looking for histories and stories told from diverse perspectives?  If you’ve asked these or other questions about diversity, equity and inclusion, then Proquest ebook central: Diversity, equity and inclusion is the database for you!

When the boat comes in: voyages to Victoria

When the boat comes in: voyages to Victoria

August 8, 2022

Family matters, Research guides, Research tips & tricks:

Welcome to National Family History Month! Each week of August we will publish a new family history blog to help you with your research. In this week’s blog we look at how to research your ancestor’s journey to Victoria. We explore immigration records, shipboard diaries and how to track down an elusive ancestor.

Miss Anderson’s Motor Service

Miss Anderson’s Motor Service

August 5, 2022

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

In 1918, at just 20 years of age, Alice Anderson founded what would go on to become Victoria’s first all-female motor garage. Her vision, as she would later tell magazine ‘Woman’s World’, was ‘to turn a trade into a profession for women.’

New Idea turns 120

New Idea turns 120

August 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

On 1 August 1902, a magazine called ‘New Idea’ was published for the first time. Its aim was ‘to present the newest ideas continually arising in every branch of a woman’s life and interest.’

Wedding ceremony and guests, [197-?]. Photo by Maggie Diaz. This work is in copyright. H2013.261/547

Researching births, deaths and marriages in Victoria

July 31, 2022

Branching Out, Family matters, Research tips & tricks:

Welcome to National Family History Month! Each week of August we will publish a new family history blog to help you with your research. In this week’s blog, we explore birth, death and marriage records in Victoria.

Neon magic!

Neon magic!

July 28, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

There is something magical about the sight of neon against the backdrop of an evening sky. Whilst neon signs have fallen out of favour in recent years, many of those remaining have achieved iconic status. We look back at some of the highlights.