The Queen’s Wharf redevelopment in Brisbane revitalizes the CBD with a blend of historical significance and modern design. This area, rich in Indigenous and colonial heritage, features landmarks like the Commissariat Store and Treasury Building. The project incorporates Indigenous art, ensuring a connection between Brisbane’s past and vibrant future.
Cows, coal and strawberry sundaes
Aerial view of the grand parade of livestock at the Royal National Show, Brisbane, 1958 ITM1430391 The Royal Queensland Show, or Ekka as it’s affectionately known by locals, is an annual event held in Brisbane. It’s a vibrant celebration that brings together the city and the country to showcase Queensland’s rich agricultural heritage, culture, and […]
Island Escape: Dunk Island
Dunk Island Beach, c.1950s, ITM435811 Have you ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and living on the beach? What would it take for you to make the change? For Edmund Banfield, after suffering a nervous collapse at 46, he decided to find somewhere quiet for his health. In 1897, he and his wife Bertha […]
How well do you know the books behind our history?
Before spreadsheets, databases and drop-down menus, Queensland was run on paper. Big books. Heavy books. Beautiful, ingenious and sometimes very strange books. From marbled edges and locking mechanisms to inks that slowly eat through the page, the records books in the Printed & Bound exhibition reveal the hidden craft and quiet labour behind everyday government. […]
Planting the seed: a growing acknowledgement at Queensland State Archives
Archives are more than repositories of history; they are cultural heritage tapestries. For First Nations Peoples, historical records can evoke both pain and empowerment. The records may reflect past injustices, but they also hold the potential to reconnect individuals with their cultural roots and reclaim lost languages. Queensland State Archives (QSA) recognises the need for […]
Think you can bridge the gap across the Brisbane River?
Brisbane proudly calls itself the River City and with good reason. From the first permanent crossing of the Brisbane River at Victoria Bridge to the recently opened Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, the city has been shaped by the structures that connect its north and south. With the Walter Taylor Bridge marking its 90th anniversary this […]
Stranded on the range: Rescuing the survivors of the 1937 Stinson Plane Crash
Catch the gripping account of the 1937 Stinson Plane Crash, an aviation tragedy that unfolds into a tale of survival, heroism, and the relentless quest for rescue. Explore the harrowing events, the miraculous survival of two passengers, and the daring rescue mission that captivated a nation
No conviction: Frontier violence in the courts of early Queensland
Dr Jonathan Richards, 2024 Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that this blog contains graphic content and may cause distress. It includes descriptions of violence, racist and offensive language, sexual assault and references to people who have died. When researching Queensland frontier violence at Queensland State Archives (QSA), there is documented evidence […]
Lost in translation? Not anymore! Navigating handwritten documents with ease
As you start to read more handwritten documents, you’ll become more familiar with common phrases, and how they were abbreviated
You can’t do this on Sunday!
Sundays held a special significance that went beyond a mere day of rest. The observance of Sunday, often considered a day of religious devotion and family time, was not only a matter of personal faith but a fundamental element of community life. What do hot air balloon shows, ice-cream and shooting a gun have in […]