Oral history

Two First Nations women sitting at a table conducting an oral history interview.

Photo of Dr Lorina Barker and Gwen Barker conducting an oral history interview, taken by Peta Barker, 2026

Expressions of interest open for First Nations oral history training program 2026–27

We’re calling for expressions of interest for our inaugural First Nations oral history training program.

News article

John Alexander Ferguson, Bibliography of Australia Angus and Robertson, 1941, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-504471416

Personal papers of Warren Fahey’s activities as an entrepreneur, musician and writer from 1967-1998 and a collection of folkloric recordings.

Collection guide

Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants oral history project

The National Library conducted an oral history project to record the lives and experiences of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants.

First Australians

Information article

Print showing an early plan for Canberra

Detail of a black and white foolscap offprint of 'City and Environs, a plan of Canberra' from the papers of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony collected by Eric Nicholls, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3210431032

Griffin and early Canberra Collection

Papers, maps, plans, photographs, paintings and other material related to early Canberra and the work of architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.

Collection guide

Sepia-toned photo of oral historian Hazel de Berg smiling while interviewing Michael Terry

Hazel de Berg with her tape recorder, interviewing Michael Terry, 1964, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-140522717

Hazel de Berg oral history collection added to the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register

The Library is proud to house this collection, which preserves the voices of 1,290 Australians.

Hood Collection

About 240 recordings of folk music, folklore, and oral histories documenting family history, local history, work experiences, music and other arts.

Collection guide

Two men kneel before rows of candles on the ground

William Yang, The last candle, AIDS vigil [The Domain, Sydney], 1994, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136864462

Hope is strength and I’m gonna fight

Reflecting on the Australian response to AIDS Oral History Project.

Blog

Photo of women from the dance group Bollydance Dipti in pink costumes taking a selfie in a crowd

Aishah Kenton, Bollydance Dipti dancers taking a selfie at the Indian Film Festival in Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria, 17 August, 2024, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3428627828

Indian Diaspora in Australia documented through photography and oral histories

We asked Australians with Indian heritage to help us build our collection and these materials are now online.

News article

At the left of the photo, a young man with short dark hair is sitting down at a radio desk, smiling out at the camera and with his left hand he balances a record on its edge on the desk.

Douglas Thompson, Radio announcer Ted Reeves of 2CA radio station holding a record, Canberra, 1951, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-138073414

Introduction to oral history

Dive into the oral history collection, exploring highlights and how you can access the voices that describe Australia's cultural, intellectual and social life.

Learning activity for adults

Video

Jones Collection

Negatives, transparancies, photographs, books, serials, personal papers and oral history interviews related to motorcycles, races and vintage cars.

Collection guide

Lowenstein Collection

Oral history recordings, manuscripts and papers relating mainly to Australian folklore and Lowenstein's books Weevils in the flour and Under the hook.

Collection guide

Lyle Collection

50 oral history recordings with 149 interviewees containing reminiscences, stories and music relating to Scottish oral traditions in Australia.

Collection guide

What can we help you find?

Need help?