Such was life

Digitised dogs

Digitised dogs

August 26, 2024

Collection, Such was life:

Celebrating this much loved (and digitised) species on International Dog Day.

Houdini visits Australia

Houdini visits Australia

July 12, 2024

Arts & literature, Such was life:

Houdini remains one of the world’s most famous entertainers. He toured Australia in 1910, performing his feats of escapology in Melbourne and Sydney, diving into the Yarra handcuffed and chained, completing the first powered flight in Australia, and becoming embroiled in a dispute with world champion boxer Tommy Burns about the proprietorship of the milk can escape.

Strange lights in the sky: The Westall UFO event, 1966

Strange lights in the sky: The Westall UFO event, 1966

April 6, 2024

Ask a librarian, Cities & towns, Our stories, Victorian history:

On 6 April 1966, in a quiet suburb south east of Melbourne, reports emerged of something strange in the sky…

Caroline, the immigrants’ friend

Caroline, the immigrants’ friend

March 26, 2024

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Such was life, Victorian history:

When you follow your heart, your achievements often multiply. The remarkable philanthropist Caroline Chisholm achieved so much for us all. Read about an incredible woman who changed the lives of so many for the better.

Nineteenth century Victorians

Nineteenth century Victorians

December 31, 2023

Photography, Social life & customs, Such was life:

The Etkins collection consists of wonderful portraits of people and places throughout 19th century Victoria.

The Garden Gazette and more – new in our popular digitised collections

The Garden Gazette and more – new in our popular digitised collections

December 14, 2023

Collection spotlights, Social life & customs, Uncategorized:

Explore this collection of newly digitised gardening and horticulture periodicals of the early 20th century.

Online Collection Spotlight: Travel Writing, Spectacle and World History

Online Collection Spotlight: Travel Writing, Spectacle and World History

November 15, 2023

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Social life & customs, Uncategorized:

What were the conditions like on the Trans-Siberian railway for women in the 1930s? Which American city was most like Melbourne in the 50s? And does anyone know what to wear to dinner when traveling first-class by ship? Learn about travel writing, but from a uniquely female perspective in the Travel Writing, Spectacle and World History database.

The Jerilderie Letter

The Jerilderie Letter

November 9, 2023

People & professions, Such was life:

The Jerilderie Letter is an 8,000 word document by the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly composed in 1879. In the Letter Kelly gives his interpretation of the crimes he was accused of and subsequently convicted for. The origins, content and legacy of this document are explored in this article along with the story of how State Library Victoria acquired this historic and unique document.

Victoria’s Intercolonial exhibition, 1866

Victoria’s Intercolonial exhibition, 1866

September 27, 2023

Social life & customs, Such was life, Victorian history:

The nineteenth century was the great age of exhibitions as industrialisation, colonialism and nationhood led to national and international display and celebration. In 1866 the Great Exhibition Hall was built behind Ian Potter Queen’s Hall to host the Intercolonial Exhibition.

Australian football: from rectangles to ovals

Australian football: from rectangles to ovals

September 22, 2023

Ask a librarian, Sport:

As we enter AFL Grand Final week it is a good opportunity to look at a key moment in the game’s development. Beginnings Football began being played in Melbourne in… Read More ›