We're celebrating our oral history collection this August

August is set to be a vibrant month at the National Library of Australia, with a rich program of events, learning opportunities and new content celebrating the power of oral history and storytelling.

Published on 20 Jul 2026

News

At the heart of the month is the launch of The Memory Tapes – a new podcast series drawing on the Library’s extraordinary oral history collection, alongside a range of events and activities inviting visitors to listen, learn and record their own stories.

The Memory Tapes podcast

On Monday 3 August, the Library will launch The Memory Tapes a new podcast that brings to life some of the most compelling stories held within the Library’s Oral History and Folklore Collection.

Oral historian Dr Shirleene Robinson AM combines firsthand accounts with expert storytelling to reveal the people behind Australia’s history. From groundbreaking medical discoveries and stories of survival during disasters and pandemics, to cultural traditions passed through generations and Australians reaching for the stars in the space industry, The Memory Tapes offers a powerful and deeply personal journey through Australia’s past.

Check it out

The Memory Tapes book

On 15 August, NLA Publishing will release a new book titled The Memory Tapes: Oral Histories from the National Library of Australia.

The book features hundreds of curated excerpts from the oral history collection, organised into themes that mirror the podcast. Readers can also scan QR codes to listen to full interviews, creating a unique bridge between print and audio storytelling.

Learn more

What's On

A split image featuring two professional headshots. On the left, a middle-aged woman with brown hair and glasses, wearing a black turtleneck, is smiling gently against a textured, light-colored background with some visible vines. On the right, an older man with gray hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and blue patterned tie, is smiling directly at the camera against a plain gray background. Both individuals appear professional and approachable.

Capturing your family stories

Led by experienced interviewers Claudia Craig and Gerard Callinan, learn how to record your loved ones’ stories and preserve their voices for the future.

People gathering outside a red brick church, with a sign advertising a 'Pop-Up Kitchen' and soup pickup.

Sandy Scheltema, Pop-up kitchen offering soup during the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions, 2020, Daylesford Community Church, nla.obj-2931859327

COVID-19 oral history project: Archiving pandemic voices

Join Dr Barbara Lemon, Bronwyn Ryan and Dr Scott McKinnon from the Library’s oral history team as they reflect on the process of compiling the extraordinary Australian COVID-19 collection.

A smartphone with the recording screen on with a red record button and soundwaves.

Oral History Pod: Capture your memories

From 11 August, visitors will be able to step inside a dedicated quiet recording ‘pod’ in the Library foyer - a welcoming space designed for reflecting on memories and recording conversations with loved ones.

Inspired by decades of oral history practice at the Library, the pod encourages visitors to capture their own stories. Recordings made in the space remain personal keepsakes, belonging to those who create them.

A black and white photo of a woman wearing headphones, operating a vintage audio recording or mixing console in a studio setting.

Mike Brown, Judy Bateman edits an interview, 1975, Australian Information Service photograph, nla.obj-136606131

The memory collectors: Conversations with oral historians

This special event explores the themes of the series and the enduring power of oral history, featuring the podcast host in discussion with other experts.

The Library's Dr Barbara Lemon joins esteemed oral historians, Dr Shirleene Robinson AM, MC Trey and Dr Barry York to discuss lessons on humanity, memory and the art of listening.

From the Family History Support Team

Coming 1 August, a new blog from our Family History Support Team will highlight different oral history collections that can be used for family history research. This will be complemented by a book display and the Family History Month Reading Room Challenge which guides you to delve deeper into the power of oral histories.

In the Treasures Gallery

A small display of items celebrating a tiny island with a rich history are currently on display in our Treasures Gallery.

Norfolk Island has been an Australian external territory since 1914. Situated between New Zealand and New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, the island has an area of about 35 square kilometres and today boasts a population just over 2,100. Its earliest settlers were Polynesians, with the British setting up a small penal colony on the island in 1788.

Since 2019, we’ve been capturing the history of residents from Norfolk Island in the Norfolk Island Oral History Project.

Listen to a selection of these online

Explore the Treasures Gallery virtual exhibition