Leni and Marguerite Visiting Troy

Vale Professor Marguerite Johnson and Soulmate Leni Johnson

July 27, 2026

Last Wednesday 15 July 2026 (our time Thursday) we awoke to the devastating news that our University colleague, the wonderful Professor Marguerite Johnson and soul partner Leni, had perished in a tragic car accident on the Island of Lesvos, Greece. A GoFundMe page has been created to help their children Kate and Jack: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kate-and-jack-after-the-tragic-loss-of-their-parents Tributes … More Vale Professor Marguerite Johnson and Soulmate Leni Johnson

Reverend Lancelot Edward Threlkeld, and wife Sarah Threlkeld (nee Arndell) Photographed probably circa 1850. Image courtesy of Marjorie Raven from an original glass negative taken by Thomas Glaister, George Street, Sydney.

Five Letters by the Reverend Threlkeld, Aboriginal Language Preservation Pioneer, Come to Light After 170 Years

July 3, 2026

What’s Going On? Five letters, written in 1858, by the Reverend Lancelot Edward Threlkeld have come to light after 170 years. Threlkeld, along with Biraban, leader of the Lake Macquarie & Newcastle peoples now known as the Awabakal, were Aboriginal language preservation pioneers, ensuring the ancient language of this land and region was preserved for … More Five Letters by the Reverend Threlkeld, Aboriginal Language Preservation Pioneer, Come to Light After 170 Years

The Glass and Morrison Family Collection

July 3, 2026

Dr Amir Moghadam, Contact Special Collections & Archives   Collections often begin with family memory: photographs, documents, letters, business papers and the everyday traces of lives lived in particular times and places. In the University of Newcastle’s collections, the Glass and Morrison Family Collection offers a valuable window into Singleton and the Hunter Valley in … More The Glass and Morrison Family Collection

Hunter Living Histories July Showcase

July 2, 2026

Join us at 1.00pm-2.30pm for the University Library’s monthly Hunter Living Histories showcase. All Welcome. WHERE: via (Join ZOOM here ) or in person Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle. (See ONLINE MAP) WHEN –  Monday 6 July 2026 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be provided for those attending in person (from 12.30pm) WELCOME & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS ‘Newcastle’s New … More Hunter Living Histories July Showcase

Alexander Burnard: A Quiet Musical Genius

June 26, 2026

Dr Amir Moghadam, Special Collections and Archives A Life Devoted to Music, Teaching, and Culture The University of Newcastle’s Special Collections holds the archive of Dr Alexander Burnard (1900–1971), a composer, teacher, and one of the quietly influential figures in twentieth-century Australian classical music. Although Burnard’s name is not as well known today as some … More Alexander Burnard: A Quiet Musical Genius

The Newcastle Earthquake Letter: Elaine Hough, 28th December 1989

June 1, 2026

The following letter written by Elaine Hough, Manager at Newcastle Permanent Building Society and was written 28th December 1989, the day of the Newcastle Earthquake, is held in a private collection and digitised and transcribed by Jacqueline Rheinberger (Career Ready Placement student at GLAMx Lab). Also see Mrs E. Haugh Letter | Living Histories This … More The Newcastle Earthquake Letter: Elaine Hough, 28th December 1989

Hunter Living Histories Showcase – June 2026

May 28, 2026

    Join us at 1.00pm-2.30pm for the University Library’s monthly Hunter Living Histories showcase. All Welcome. WHERE: via (Join ZOOM here ) or in person Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle. (See ONLINE MAP) WHEN –  Monday 1 June 2026 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be provided for those attending in person (from 12.30pm) … More Hunter Living Histories Showcase – June 2026

Academic Dress: Tradition, Symbolism, and Meaning

May 21, 2026

Davina Pellatt and Amir Moghadam For many of us, gowns, hoods, caps, colours, and ceremonial robes are familiar sights at graduation, yet their origins and symbolism are less often understood.  As students prepare for graduation ceremonies in June, here in Special Collections, in honour of the late Professor Ken Dutton, we want to introduce you … More Academic Dress: Tradition, Symbolism, and Meaning

Breaking Barriers: Libby Marshall on Women’s Hockey in Newcastle

April 30, 2026

Libby Marshall: Challenges of Women’s Hockey Early Life and Family Influences Libby Marshall grew up in a very active, sport‑focused family. Both parents were passionate about sport: her mother was a talented badminton and tennis player and an Australian badminton champion, while her father was heavily involved in endurance riding and became a gold medalist … More Breaking Barriers: Libby Marshall on Women’s Hockey in Newcastle