2026 Marion Mahony Griffin Lecture: The magic of two Americans | National Library of Australia (NLA)

2026 Marion Mahony Griffin Lecture: The magic of two Americans

The Walter Burley Griffin Society and Professor David Headon AM present a lecture focusing on the extraordinary partnership of Walter and Marion.

The lecture examines how this partnership has impacted Professor David Headon AM's life via books, government, living principles and surprising discoveries. This includes his life-changing subject choice for a doctoral thesis in Canada, his teaching at the University of New South Wales/Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW/ADFA), his time as a Cultural Advisor at the National Capital Authority and his current 10-year project.

This five-decade relationship has resulted in unexpected joys and opportunities. 

A smiling man with grey hair wearing a grey suit, white shirt and a red patterned tie with circular emblems. He is photographed against a plain light gray background.

Professor David Headon AM

Professor David Headon AM

Attend in person 

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential.

Watch online 

The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library's YouTube channel.

About Professor David Headon AM

Professor David Headon AM is a Canberra-based historian and cultural consultant. He is a regular commentator on cultural, political and social issues on ABC radio.

A black and white logo for the Walter Burley Griffin Society Incorporated, featuring the name in a classic serif font centered within a double-lined square frame.

Professor Headon is also a Foundation Fellow at the Australian Studies Institute (ANU) and an Associate in the Parliamentary Library. He was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 and an AM for ‘significant service to history preservation’ as a historian, cultural advisor and author in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List.

This event is presented in partnership with the Walter Burley Griffin Society and in celebration of its 150th anniversary.

Event details
24 Nov 2026
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Free
Online, Theatre
Accessibility
Assistance animals icon Assistance animals icon Assistance animals welcome
Assistive learning icon Assistive learning icon Hearing induction loop
Wheelchair icon Wheelchair icon Wheelchair accessible

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