Viroconium artefacts

Students, the Viroconium Fragments of Roman Britain and Arthurian Myth

August 31, 2026

The “Little” Collection – Viroconium Artefacts – Notes and Talking Points This week beginning August 31, 2026, we will be introducing our University’s ancient history students to a sample of archaeological objects retrieved from 1960 archaeological dig at the site of one of Roman Britain’s most important site, Viroconium Cornoviorum (Wroxeter). These notes are to … More Students, the Viroconium Fragments of Roman Britain and Arthurian Myth

Bizarre Newcastle: Stories of Our Town Title

Bizarre Newcastle: Stories of Our Town Release Date Announced

August 31, 2026

Bizarre Newcastle: World Premiere Bizarre Newcastle: Stories of Our Town will premiere on the 1 October 2026 at the King Street Hotel. Tickets are available here: https://newannual.com/explore/events/bizarre-newcastle For over eight years, Stories of Our Town has been uncovering Newcastle’s history, one extraordinary tale at a time. Along the way, they collected dozens of stories so … More Bizarre Newcastle: Stories of Our Town Release Date Announced

Alumna Mary Stewart Looks Back at Her University Days

August 11, 2026

In an interview on June 27, 2025, university alumna Mary Stewart (née Henery) shared memories and reflections of her student days at the University of Newcastle. Interview Summary Student Life & Academic Journey Mary reflects on her studies in Arts, majoring in English with honors. She describes the small, tight-knit cohort, the close (and occasionally … More Alumna Mary Stewart Looks Back at Her University Days

1960s Architectural Modernism in Newcastle, NSW

August 3, 2026

By Rosie Furlong Grady – Volunteer – Special Collections and Archives The below selection of photographs are part of a digitised collection of slides, scanned from originals taken in August 1963, held in Special Collections and Archives Box C3164(v). Creator of photographic slides unknown. The collection is held along with other items relating to School … More 1960s Architectural Modernism in Newcastle, NSW

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

August 2, 2026

Dr Amir Moghadam Acknowledgment of Country The author  acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. The author pays his respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present. Disclaimer: This post focuses primarily on migrant cultures. It is not about the … More Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

Autonomy Day finish line looking at Queens Wharf as the swimmers arrive

What Lies Behind the Autonomy Day Pranksters

July 30, 2026

  Opus Issue: August, 1965. Special Collections and Archives. Pranksters of the year, 1965 By Davina Pellatt – Archives Engagement Officer – Special Collections and Archives In the grand tradition of Autonomy Day, where mayhem and mischief have long been part of the celebration, a recent enquiry prompted me to explore the motivations behind the … More What Lies Behind the Autonomy Day Pranksters

Hunter Living Histories August 2026 Showcase – The Joys of Recollect, Autonomy Day Pranks & Brass Bands

July 30, 2026

Join us at 1.00pm-2.30pm for the University Library’s monthly Hunter Living Histories showcase. All Welcome. WHERE: via (ZOOM link HERE) or in person Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle. (See ONLINE MAP) WHEN –  Monday 3 August 2026 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be provided for those attending in person (from 12.30pm)   WELCOME & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY RECENT NEWS … More Hunter Living Histories August 2026 Showcase – The Joys of Recollect, Autonomy Day Pranks & Brass Bands

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