The Quest for Sturt’s “Underground Room” (1845)

What is the aim of the Project? To archaeologically survey, document and verify the location of the Sturt expedition’s (1844-1846) underground room at Depot Glen, near Milparinka. What is the “Underground Room”? The “underground room” is a subterranean bunker dug out by Sturt’s expedition team in 1845 to escape the heat of the summer, and … More The Quest for Sturt’s “Underground Room” (1845)

Aboriginal breastplate ‘Sandy, Chief of Coringori’

During January 2022 Dr Alison Clark from National Museums Scotland contacted HLH, she is conducting provenance research on a brass breastplate in their collection.  Dr Clark would like to find out more about the individual who was given the breastplate, and asks who gave it to him, and how the breastplate came to Scotland. “The … More Aboriginal breastplate ‘Sandy, Chief of Coringori’

Newcastle’s Customs House Time Ball

  Presentation Newcastle Time Ball at November Hunter Living Histories Meeting – Associate Prof Nancy Cushing (University of Newcastle) Bob Donnelly kindly loaned the following sources to Special Collections to share with the wider community. As an Engineer he worked on the reinstatement of the time Ball at Newcastle’s former Customs House in 1988. A … More Newcastle’s Customs House Time Ball

Fraternal Societies Collection Digital Exhibition

  By Dr Amir Moghdam Conservator, University Library About the Project The University of Newcastle Library Special Collections is making its fraternal societies collection available online. The collection is named after its donor Dr Bob James. Since 2015, a small project team made up of Special Collections staff collaborating with student project officers have documented, re-housed and digitised … More Fraternal Societies Collection Digital Exhibition

“Searching for the St Michael” Sunken Hulk at Morpeth 1841

“Searching for the St Michael“.     The St Michael was a hulk, later converted to a store-ship, that sank at Morpeth, New South Wales in 1841. She arrived in Sydney from Calcutta on the 30 October 1820, with Master Henry Marsh. According to the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage site: “This Ship rigged … More “Searching for the St Michael” Sunken Hulk at Morpeth 1841

‘Story of Middleton’ – First Chaplain at Newcastle, NSW in 1821

At the March Hunter Living Histories meeting Dr Ian Eckford presented the ‘Story of Middleton’ – 200 year anniversary of the first Chaplain at Newcastle, New South Wales. Wednesday, 10 March 2021 marked 200 years since George Augustus Middleton was appointed as the first resident Chaplain to the convict settlement of Newcastle. Dr Eckford also … More ‘Story of Middleton’ – First Chaplain at Newcastle, NSW in 1821

Merv & Janet Copley Collection – UON Special Collections

The Merv and Janet Copley Collection is held in Special Collections and the Janet Copley Bequest funds undergraduate and doctoral scholarships and provide funding for researchers across the Humanities and Social Science disciplines to access the University’s historical archival and visual collections. The following has been compiled by Thomas Romanis (Museum & Heritage Studies, University … More Merv & Janet Copley Collection – UON Special Collections

“Stories of Our Town” Documentary Series – Indigenous Histories & Joseph Lycett

Last week Tony and I were invited by Richard Neville (Mitchell Librarian, Director Engagement) to the vault at the Mitchell Library to film and talk about 3 extraordinary artifacts associated with Newcastle’s history. Firstly, Macquarie’s Chest, one of two commissioned by Commander Wallis in 1819 to curry favour with Govenor Macquarie, such a gorgeous and … More “Stories of Our Town” Documentary Series – Indigenous Histories & Joseph Lycett

Congratulations Toll Cottage listed on State Heritage Register (SHR)

We are pleased to advise that historic Toll Cottage (formerly Rose Cottage) 51 Bolton St, Newcastle has been listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR no: 2032) The item was listed due to its heritage significance to the people of Newcastle. After so many years and so much analysis, research and negotiation to have Toll … More Congratulations Toll Cottage listed on State Heritage Register (SHR)

“Stories of Our Town” Newcastle Documentary Series – Scott Sister’s of Ash Island

By Glenn Dormand Visit storiesofourtown.com This week Tony and I were all over the place working on 3 films at once. We filmed drones on Ash Island, interviewed an Aboriginal Linguist in Lake Munmorah, a Heritage Architect at Toronto as well as a full afternoon at the University of Newcastle’s School of Creative Industries at … More “Stories of Our Town” Newcastle Documentary Series – Scott Sister’s of Ash Island