Australia’s National Library has unveiled its latest exhibition, Hopes & Fears: Australian Migration Stories, showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of migrants who have contributed to making Australia one of the most culturally varied nations in the world.
The exhibition is a vivid portrayal of migrant experiences, featuring an array of personal letters, music, vintage advertisements, and remarkable stories such as that of William ‘Billy’ Blue. An African American transported to Sydney in 1801 for stealing raw sugar, Blue later served as a harbour watchman and constable under Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
Among the highlights are a convict’s uniform from Van Diemen’s Land in the 1830s, and an extensive collection of photos and memorabilia from the Snowy Hydro-electric Scheme, which employed 60,000 migrants from over 30 countries. Archival photographs of multicultural cafes and chefs also illustrate how migrants brought the taste of home to various Australian cities.
The exhibition offers visitors access to a curated book-nook in the gallery, featuring biographies, journals, and recipe books. This nook serves as a space for reflection on the personal and collective histories that have shaped modern Australia.
Dr Guy Hansen, Director of Exhibitions at the National Library, remarked, ‘Most, if not all of us, have a migration story in the family. The most recent census, conducted in 2021, tells us that more than half of Australians have at least one parent born overseas or were, themselves, born overseas.’
He added, ‘To understand history, we need to interrogate the evidence that has survived from the past. The photographs, letters, books, posters, and pamphlets in this exhibition are a reminder of these powerful histories. These stories are an integral part of our family histories and by extension, our identities.’
Dr Marie-Louise Ayres FAHA, Director-General of the National Library of Australia, stated, ‘This exhibition captures how modern Australian communities came to be. In personal papers and photograph albums, published family histories and ephemera, millions of Australian stories are made available for interpretation or enjoyment.’
She continued, ‘The National Library will continue to build collections about the lives, experiences, publications and organisations important to migrant communities. These stories enrich the national collection, just as migration has enriched Australian society, immeasurably.’
These resources are freely available for all to use when researching their own migrant family histories. The National Library remains committed to collecting material relating to Australia’s migration history and works with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to create a record of their experiences in Australia.
Hopes & Fears: Australian Migration Stories delves into the lived experiences of migrants, their journeys, challenges, knowledge, and how their successors have carried these experiences into the modern day.
The exhibition is open at the National Library of Australia from 26 July 2024 to 2 February 2025. Entry is free, and no booking is required.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
📚 @nlagovau's exhibition, 'Hopes & Fears: Australian Migration Stories', showcases #migrant #heritage wt personal artefacts, photos & memorabilia, illustrating their profound impact on Australian culture. Open until 2 Feb 25, free. 👨👩👧👦📸🎨 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/pGGj8MxYYX
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) July 26, 2024
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
