Augusta L Dargon and the Melbourne Irish

Augusta L Dargon and the Melbourne Irish

March 14, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

In honour of St Patrick’s Day, Manuscripts Librarian Kevin Molloy examines a little known Irish-Australian treasure:

Community Heritage Grant applications open

March 12, 2013

Local history funding sources, Such was life:

Applications for the Australian Government’s Community Heritage Grants are now open. ‘The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program provides grants of up to $15,000 to community organisations such as libraries, archives,… Read More ›

Why a duck? Leunig and the joys of unanswered questions

Why a duck? Leunig and the joys of unanswered questions

March 8, 2013

Rare Books & Arts, Visual arts:

Paul Dee from our Australian History and Literature collection has been getting to grips with the pleasures and charms of Michael Leunig’s unique take on life: ‘Yes but what does… Read More ›

New books in the Genealogy Centre

New books in the Genealogy Centre

March 5, 2013

Family matters, Uncategorized:

Preserving family heirlooms, making the most of your iPad, advanced genealogical research techniques, getting to grips with online resources and finding Polish records – these are the topics of some… Read More ›

Vale James Strong AO

March 5, 2013

About us, Announcements, News:

The State Library of Victoria is saddened by the news of the passing of James Strong AO.

Cobb  and Co

Cobb and Co

March 5, 2013

People & professions, Such was life:

On 30 January 1854, American businessman Freeman Cobb and three associates started a passenger coach service to Castlemaine and Bendigo.

Houdini flies in Diggers Rest

Houdini flies in Diggers Rest

March 1, 2013

Cities & towns, Such was life:

On 18 March 1910, Harry Houdini, the world famous escapologist, made what is claimed to be the first controlled powered flight in Australia.

Wagner, Verdi and Britten: birthday greetings in 2013

Wagner, Verdi and Britten: birthday greetings in 2013

March 1, 2013

Music, Rare Books & Arts:

If you are even slightly interested in classical music you will have found it hard to avoid some of the major musical anniversaries happening this year. Richard Wagner and Giuseppe… Read More ›

Easter Holiday hours

February 26, 2013

About us, Announcements, Collection, Exhibitions, Family history events, Library services, News, Opening hours:

Please note the Library will have altered opening hours over the Easter weekend.

World War I colour patches

World War I colour patches

February 26, 2013

Such was life, War:

Colour patches were worn on Australian soldiers’ uniforms to show which unit they belonged to. For men in the infantry battalions, the colour on the upper part of their patch… Read More ›

Such was life

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980) was a political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher. Throughout her art career she was a member of the Communist Party and associated with the Socialist Realist Group.

Arts

Photographic portrait by Richard Beck of Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980), political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher.

Ailsa O’Connor: highlights of a life of socialist activism, feminism and art

March 23, 2026 2 comments

Ailsa O’Connor (1921-1980) was a political activist, painter, sculptor, author and teacher. Throughout her art career she was a member of the Communist Party and associated with the Socialist Realist Group.