The National Library collects pictorial material in order to document significant people, places and events in Australian history and society.

The Australian and overseas printed collections at the National Library of Australia contain substantial material which can support research into Federation in Australia.

On 1 January 1901, the six existing self-governing British colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, came together in union to create the Commonwealth of Australia.

Female convicts were predominantly young, single women who had been domestic servants and/or who had come from a semi-skilled background - such as an apprenticeship.

If you're trying to reconnect with friends or relatives, there are a range of resources and organisations that can help you.

Find out what time you were born using hospital records, birth announcements and family keepsakes.

Trace the military history of your ancestors using resrouces and records from Australia, New Zealand and the British Army at the Library and beyond.

Access resources to help you research your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history including records for births, deaths and marriages, missions, military service and information about the Stolen Generations. 

Explore manuscripts and records that give a glimpse into the approximately 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

First Nations people participated in sports long before Australian Federation.