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. Â 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
The following talk on ‘Joseph Lycett (1774-1828)‘ was delivered at ArtChat at the Newcastle Art Gallery on 1 April 2026 by Dr Ann Hardy who was kindly invited by the Art Gallery Society. The talk was post-recorded on request of audience members. Joseph Lycett is known as a convict artist, forger and engraver, however there was … More Joseph Lycett: From Forgery to Fine Art
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
Hunter Living Histories Showcase Monday, 4 May 2026, 1.00pm-2.30pm Join us at 1.00pm-2.30pm for the University Library’s monthly Hunter Living Histories showcase. All Welcome. WHERE: via Join Zoom Meeting or in person Room L326, Auchmuty Library, Callaghan Campus, Newcastle. (See ONLINE MAP) WHEN –  Monday 4 May 2026 (1.00pm-2.30pm) Afternoon Tea will be provided for those attending in person (from … More Hunter Living Histories Showcase – 4 May 2026
Step inside Cintra House Maitland’s crown jewel and a sprawling 31-room Victorian Italianate masterpiece. Built in 1878 during the height of the “Boom style,” this isn’t just a mansion—it’s a living, breathing timeline of Maitland itself. More than Just Bricks and Mortar Here’s why Cintra House is more than just “bricks and mortar”: A Grand … More Cintra House: A Legacy of Love Film
What Is Newcastle Generations of Pride? Newcastle: Generations of Pride is a documentary film about the LGBTQI+ history of Newcastle Australia; told by those who lived it. This film chronicles the lived experiences of Newcastle’s gay community across decades. From the dark days of persecution to the bright moments of celebration; it captures … More Newcastle: Generations of Pride Film
Restoring The Birdwood Flag: From Fragments to the Community By Dr Amir Moghadam, Special Collections & Archives, University of Newcastle Remembering is not just an activity concerned with the past, but also with the present and future. Questions of how we imagine the future have gained particular urgency in recent times as democracies are in … More Restoring The Birdwood Flag: From Fragments to the Community
The Very First ANZAC Day, Brisbane 1916 The very first Anzac Day was held in Brisbane in 1916 and the commemoration was adopted across the country a year later. ANZAC Day’s First Bugler The man who played the Last Post on that Anzac Day was named Herbert (a.k.a. “Jerry”) Barnes. He later worked … More Search for Brisbane’s First ANZAC Day Bugler: Sergeant Herbert “Jerry” Barnes of Raymond Terrace
Historical Significance People often forget that at the turn of the 19th century, the Port of Newcastle was the 5th busiest port in the entire world. There were times when the Harbour was filled with over a hundred sailing ships and other vessels. Newcastle was a major coal hub for the rest of the world, … More Newcastle Maritime Museum Collection: A Treasure Trove of the Past
What do we remember about polio? Poliomyelitis as a case study in Australian health histories View the presentation recorded on 25 March 2026 in Room L326, Auchmuty Library. This talk presents early findings from Professor Coleborne’s new research into the Australian experience of poliomyelitis (polio) in the middle of the twentieth century. It examines what … More What do we remember about polio?