Whether you’re a Canberra local or an Australian history buff, there’s much to learn about the nation’s capital in the collection. Though this blog will only scratch the surface, we hope it inspires you to browse more of the Canberra-focused items in the collection and explore those relating to other cities and towns across Australia.

Griffin and early Canberra collection

When exploring the history of Canberra, where better to start than material relating to the city’s architects: Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin? Among this collection are correspondence, articles, architectural drawings, photographs, unpublished writing, oral histories and more. Explore the full contents in our collection guide.

Artwork of H M Rolland

On the topic of architecture, the Library holds many of the artworks created by architect H. M. Rolland. Having moved to Canberra in 1912, Rolland contributed to the growth of the city by helping plan many of Canberra's early buildings and later became the Director of Architecture for the Commonwealth Department of Works and Housing for several years. Throughout this time, Holland created several watercolour paintings of Canberra's landscape, many of which can be viewed online.  

Canberra Times

One of the best ways to look back on the history of a city or town is through the local newspaper. Fortunately for those interested in Canberra, there are almost seven decades of Canberra Times newspapers available to be read online in Trove. Starting in 1926 and going all the way to 1995, there is so much to explore. 

Canberra life collection

If you’re keen to explore Canberra life from more recent times, dive into this collection of photographs that capture everything from sport to education, and entertainment to transport. Taken by a variety of National Library photographers in the 1990s, these photographs showcase various aspects of life that, collectively, reflect what it was like to live in Canberra during this time. For the locals, take a stroll down memory lane and see if you can spot what has or hasn’t changed in the last 30 years. And for those that aren't as familiar with Canberra, see how your memory of life in the 90s compares.  

Centenary of Canberra oral history project

To learn more about life in Canberra, listen directly to the stories of Canberra’s long-term residents, centenarians and community members in recordings from the Centenary of Canberra oral history project. Recorded in 2013 to 2015 to reflect the previous 100 years in Canberra, these interviews feature a diverse range of Canberrans of various nationalities, careers, and perspectives. Ultimately, these interviews provide incredible insights into life in Canberra and how the city has changed over time.  

Canberra Waltz

Shifting gears to another artform, there is plenty of music inspired by Canberra and written by Canberra-based musicians to be found in the Library’s collection. Just one example is this souvenir 1927 edition of the sheet music for ‘Canberra Waltz’ by Charlotte M. Cameron, coinciding with the opening of what is now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, often known as Old Parliament House.   

Retail and residential site auction 1924

Finally, the areas shown in these sale plans are likely familiar to all Canberrans: Blandfordia (now Forrest), Ainslie, Civic, Red Hill and Manuka. Did you know though, that these residential and retail sites were originally put for auction on 12 December 1924? Sales plans can be used for tracing land and property history, and are a great tool for family or local historians. To see who bought these blocks of Canberra land and for how much, check out this article from The Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer.  

What next?

There’s plenty more for you to discover about Canberra and other cities or towns across Australia in the Library’s collection. Get started exploring in our catalogue.