The Memory Tapes brings history to life through the voices of the people who lived it. Drawing on one of the nation’s most significant oral history collections, the series explores remarkable stories of resilience, innovation, creativity, migration, activism and everyday life. Narrated by oral historian Dr Shirleene Robinson AM, each episode combines firsthand accounts with expert storytelling to reveal the people behind Australia’s history.

The Library's Dr Barbara Lemon joined esteemed oral historians, Dr Shirleene Robinson AM, MC Trey and Dr Barry York for a conversation about lessons on humanity, memory and the art of listening.

108 oral history interviews recorded by Sturgess between 1976 and 1986 while writing his 2 books and working on various ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) productions.

Recordings of folk music, dance music, folklore and oral history from New South Wales and Queensland recorded during the period 1955 to 1990.

Recordings of folk songs and dance music from Queensland and also stories, legends and recollections of customs and immigrant settlement, particularly German and Scandinavian in rural Queensland.

40 recordings of folk music, folklore and reminiscences from people in rural New South Wales recorded from 1983 to 1988.

1576 pamphlets, leaflets, speeches, newspaper and serial issues relating to trade unionism, socialism, left-wing parties in Australia, economics and labour issues, as well as the papers of Lloyd Ross and his father the socialist journalist RS Ross.

A summary of copyright and rights in the Oral History and Folklore Collection.

This special event explored some of the ways in which southern NSW community members have told and preserved their bushfire stories.

Oral history interviews with Charles Perkins, a key figure in Aboriginal rights, alongside a pilot project on how people form mental maps. It also includes ongoing interviews for the 'Seven Years On' project, launched in 1995, which focuses on emerging Aboriginal leaders. This collection offers valuable insights into Aboriginal activism, leadership, and personal stories that have shaped history.

Listen to Australian stories through our curated collection of podcasts.

80 oral history interviews with musicians, dancers and others, and recordings of songs and performances, as well as sheet music, imprints and personal papers.