Discover the National Archives of Australia

Schoolchildren visiting Memory of a Nation

Students from Launceston Church Grammar School explore <em>Memory of a Nation</em>

Memory of a Nation is a must-see for all Australians. Highlights include:

Edmund Barton’s draft of the Constitution – complete with corrections in red pen
a letter from Don Bradman to Robert Menzies in 1963 – agreeing to play in the PM's XI cricket match, but not without qualms
Douglas Mawson’s proclamation – which led to the Antarctic Treaty
Charles Kingsford Smith's application for a pilot's licence
Harold Holt’s briefcase

This exhibition showcases stories of ordinary and extraordinary Australians like Freda Beryl Wilson, Australia’s first female trade commissioner, and the inspiring feats of 80-year-old Ernie Old who cycled around Australia on his trusty Malvern Star.

Download the education brochure (1mb pdf).

Also appearing as part of Memory of a Nation are:

No Common Creation – on the High Court of Australia
The Federation Gallery – seven key documents in Australia's history, including our national 'birth certificates'

Exhibition catalogue

Buy the beautiful souvenir book from our online shop. It tells fascinating stories drawn from the treasures on display in the exhibition and includes an introductory essay by leading historian Geoffrey Bolton.

Tuning into heritage

Take an iPod tour of Memory of a Nation to discover how items on display link to places on the Australian Government's National Heritage List.

Faces of Australia

Use this online feature to browse the photographs at your leisure, tell us if you can identify a person, place or time, or share a memory.