Our Oral History collection includes recordings of original and traditional compositions performed by migrants, refugees and their descendants.

In many homes in Australia, you will find a bookcase, a mantelpiece or a shelf with a display of family photographs. These small intimate galleries chronicle the individuals, both young and old, who populate the family tree, sometimes the images reach back two or three generations.

Stories of migration are very much part of our national experience.

Special guests held a conversation about their own stories around migration, and how our country can best recognise the extraordinary contribution of migrants to contemporary Australia.

Explore the journeys that have shaped our nation’s history in this exhibition.

National Library of Australia

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

A gift from the Ralf Iannuzzi Memorial Trust is helping us to digitise some of our rarest items. 

Books illustrating the history of printing in Europe and Australia, plus a medieval manuscript, and personal papers of Brian Hone.

Learn about our Enlighten 2024 illuminations and find your home at your National Library.