Articles by: Barbara Carswell

Japan and Korea through an Australian lens

Japan and Korea through an Australian lens

December 18, 2023

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights:

Famous Victorian photographer George Rose (1851-1942) travelled to Korea and Japan in 1904, capturing rare scenes of everyday life in both countries. Dynamic and varied, his images bring alive scenes of people at the market, labourers at work, children, Japanese women in kimonos enjoying social activities, not to mention temples, local architecture and rural scenery. Join us for a fascinating glimpse into these lost worlds.

Picnic fun

Picnic fun

February 15, 2023

Ask a librarian, Our stories:

Victorians of yesteryear loved their picnics: despite heavy clothing, horse-drawn transport and no refrigeration, they made treks to the bush to enjoy food and recreation. Enjoy these picnic images from our pictures collections.

The Ryerson Index: a family history discovery tool

The Ryerson Index: a family history discovery tool

December 27, 2022

Family matters, Research tips & tricks, Websites:

The Ryerson Index can be a wonderful help to family history researchers. It’s a research tool for finding information about deceased family members and friends: a free online index of historic and current Australian newspaper death and funeral notices.

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 Chalet, winter, Mt. Buffalo 9Vic.) [1910]

Mount Buffalo Chalet: the island in the sky

June 1, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Over 110 years old, picturesque Mount Buffalo Chalet sits atop a plateau in the Mount Buffalo National Park. This grand old lady has provided a leisurely holiday escape for almost one hundred years. Little wonder that for decades, Victorians made the chalet their favourite winter and summer retreat.

Family group, ca. 1870 to 1880. Families of five or more children were common in the Victorian era. [H2005.34/2086]

Online Collection Spotlight: The Malthusian, a collection in the Women’s Studies Archive

March 13, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

Overpopulation was a huge social problem in 19th century Britain. Trailblazers like Annie Besant were tireless campaigners for the improvement of living conditions, birth control, and women’s rights. The Malthusian gives us a vivid lens into the living conditions of the poor, and a fascinating insight into the population issues from 1879 to 1921, which laid the groundwork for social reform in the twentieth century.

Play the Game: Summer beach camps

Play the Game: Summer beach camps

January 15, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

A stronger, more inclusive society. This was the vision for the Lord Somers and Lord Mayor’s camps, bringing children from all corners of Victoria, and all walks of life together for summer seaside adventures.

Pigeon messengers of World War I

Pigeon messengers of World War I

July 22, 2021

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

It may be hard to believe today, but the humble pigeon played a heroic role as messenger in World War I, braving heavy artillery fire and poisonous gas to deliver messages between the front line and headquarters.

World Philosophy Day

World Philosophy Day

November 16, 2020

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Our stories:

It’s World Philosophy Day. Dive into our extensive philosophy collections to be challenged and inspired by thinkers of the past and present.

The Victorian Artists’ Society: 150 years of art

The Victorian Artists’ Society: 150 years of art

October 8, 2020

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

This year the Victorian Artists’ Society, East Melbourne, celebrates its 150th anniversary. We look back at the early years of its artistic journey.

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