Blog: Collection
The AIATSIS blog is our space to showcase our expertise, and for you to discover the stories behind the work we do and the items we are working on.
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Photographing large paintings in the Stanner Room

CollectionDigitisationArtArtefact
19 Jun 2018 Colin MacDougallNow that four of the largest paintings in the AIATSIS Collection have been digitised, we have extremely detailed, colour accurate digital reproductions preserved for the future.
Fight for Life: The Father Dixon and the Stuart Case Papers

Sentenced to hang in 1959, Arrernte man Rupert Max Stewart survived 7 stays of execution and ultimately had his conviction commuted to life in prison. The Father Dixon and the Stuart Case Papers provide an insight into how this was achieved.
Papers of Alick and Merle Jackomos

CollectionHuman rightsReserves and missions
1 May 2018 Ewan MaidmentMerle and Alick Jackomos have a long connection with AIATSIS. Upon hearing the news that the Jackomos family home was being sold, the Institute contacted Merle and Alick’s daughter, Esmai, to make arrangements for the preservation of her parents’ papers.
Finding families on film

CollectionStolen GenerationsNational ApologyFilmPhotography
3 Apr 2018 Kelly WiltshireThis year marks 10 years since the National Apology to Australia’s Stolen Generations, 20 years since the Bringing Them Home report and over 30 years since the Stolen Generations were documented in two AIATSIS films.
From Art Petition to the People's Movement for Reconciliation

ActivistsCollectionWik caseSeaofHandsPetitionsReconciliation
10 Nov 2017 Rita MetzenrathHow did a colourful sculptural installation that started as an innovative form of protest transform into an enduring symbol of Non Indigenous community aspirations to be reconciled with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders?
Audiovisual Heritage of Torres Strait Singing and Dancing

DigitisationFilmCollectionMusicDanceTorres Strait Islander cultureTorres Strait Islands
27 Oct 2017 Kelly WiltshireWorld Day for Audiovisual Heritage raises awareness about the importance and vulnerability of audiovisual collections. For AIATSIS the content at risk includes recordings of Aboriginal cultural, social and political life from the 1940s to early 2000s.
The Bennelong Letter – Voice of a Wangal Diplomat

CollectionArchives and archivingLanguageHistory
21 Aug 2017 Rita MetzenrathThe AIATSIS Collection holds a very precious copy of what is considered to be the first known use of written English by an Aboriginal Australian.
Family history research success for Fred

ResearchFamily historyCollectionPhotography
16 Aug 2017 Family History UnitAs part of Family History Month, the AIATSIS Family History Unit has requested feedback from our clients about how they have been using the research materials and tools we provide them. Here is Fred’s story.
My PhD: From Protection to Welfare

In late 2016 I was fortunate enough to be awarded the NIRAKN Yumalundi Fellowship to conduct research for my PhD at AIATSIS.
Beginning to heal; the National Sorry Day Committee working papers

National ApologyNational Sorry Day CommitteeSorry DayCollectionDigitisation
1 May 2017 Fiona BlackburnReverend John Brown’s donation of his National Sorry Day Committee working papers is available for use at AIATSIS. The Committee worked tirelessly from the release of the Bringing them home report in 1997, to 2008, to coordinate Sorry Day activities and so start a journey of healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The papers convey the work that, in Reverend Brown’s experience, became totally consuming.
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