Military history

1975: Living in the Seventies

Look back on life in the 70s including politics, feminism, pop culture, news of the day, and more.

Exhibition

A black and white image of a wartime Naval ship

Australian battlecruiser HMAS Australia in 1914, Alan C. Green, State Library Victoria

Australia's Naval Alliances: John Seymour and Hugh White

In the 1920s and 1930s Australia entrusted its security to Britain's Royal Navy. In 1941 that proved to be a big mistake. Are we making the same mistake now with America and AUKUS? John Seymour discusses his new book.

Event

A man wearing a lilac button down shirt and a blue and red checkered blazer while smiling at the camera

Dr Samuel White

Keeping the peace of the realm with Dr Samuel White

Dr Samuel White will discuss his recent Fellowship research focused on the historical use of military call-outs and the decision-making processes behind deploying troops in Australia.

Event

There is a pond at the base of this image with manicured gardens stretching up the hill behind it. A semi-enclosed outdoor seating area sits halfway up the image on the right-hand side.

Part of the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.

Community Heritage Grant: Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre

Learn about the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, recipient of a 2025 Community Heritage Grant.

Blog

Portion of a poster depicting men and women from Australia's Defence Forces.

Australian Comforts Fund, Combine forces with the Australian Comforts Fund. Give to them through the A.C.F. [detail], 1939, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2618636268

Remembering the War

On the 80th anniversary of the Second World War ending, explore stories of the conflict from our collections.

Exhibition

Detail of the cover of book 'In defence of country : life stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander servicemen & women' which features a painting of a First Nations serviceman

Noah Riseman & ANU Press, In defence of country : life stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander servicemen & women (detail), 2016, nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn6930656

First Nations military service resources

Our resources can help you find out about your family member’s service history.

Research guide

Two newspaper front covers in a display case. The headline on both reads, 'Vietnam waifs fly in'.

Elaine Moir: ‘The waif smuggler’ during the Vietnam War

Exploring 1975: The Vietnam War and Operation Babylift

Blog

Frank Hurley and Masly Williams looking towards Jerusalem

Frank Hurley, Frank Hurley and Maslyn Williams Looking Out Over the Kidron Valley Towards Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Palestine, 1940?, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-151339245

Hurley Collection

Over 10,000 black and white negatives and colour transparencies, about 1000 exhibition prints, several photograph albums, a group of stereographs, plus maps, diaries and personal papers.

Collection guide

Portrait of Nora Heysen sitting at a desk and painting

Harold Cazneaux, Portrait of Nora Heysen at work,1939, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-145509450

Australian artists in the Second World War

Explore 2 different examples of artistic responses to the Second World War.

Blog

Two men talking with each other, Kim Beazley and Caspar Weinberger

Australian Overseas Information Service, Portrait of Kim Beazley with Caspar Weinberger, U.S. Defence Secretary, 1988, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136622610

Fellowship talk: Defending Australian Territory

Honorary Fellow Associate Professor Andrew Carr discussed his research on the history of Australian defence policy.

Event

Video

Hertz Collection

Books, pamphlets, photographs, posters and a small number of maps relating to war and aviation.

Collection guide

Hall Collection

Personal papers and about 600 books and pamphlets from 1900-1960 on international relations, political biography, migration and more with a focus on the Commonwealth and United States.

Collection guide

What can we help you find?

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