History

Whether you're a devoted reader or simply curious about the voices embedded in our streets, come and engage in a conversation about identity, history and the evolving urban fabric of our city, Boorloo.

Discover the stories that shaped WA — one short film at a time, from rock 'n' roll masses and astronomical discoveries to guide dogs and a vaudevillian male impersonator.

This NAIDOC week, the State Library is proud to host a night of public lectures from the State Library’s Battye Fellow Shino Konishi, and the inaugural Aboriginal Research Fellow, Jordanna Yoontj Eades.

A special screening of The Coolbaroo Club, followed by a talk from leading community member and playwright Barbara Hostalek, whose grandmother, Helena Murphy, was a founding member of the Coolbaroo League social club.

Join Nanda Elders and Dr Steven Kelly in-conversation about the resilience and perspective of a Nanda person and people.

The Kerry Stokes Collection presents a lecture by celebrated author and expert on medieval manuscripts Christopher de Hamel.

Do you want to find out about your family history and don’t know where to start? Let us help you at one of our free and friendly talks at the State Library and we’ll show you.

Want to find out more about your Moort? Come join our Reconciliation Week Aboriginal Family History Session. Join State Library staff from the Storylines program and staff from Aboriginal History WA to learn more about Aboriginal family history resources in the J.S. Battye Library and State Records Office.

The Storylines project connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the State Library's heritage, history and photographic collections.