Recent Stories
These stories come from the items in our collection.
1952 - 1956
SLWA on ABC Radio
The British conducted three nuclear tests on the Montebello Islands between 1952 and 1956. The final test was six times bigger than the Hiroshima bomb.
King Neptune reigns
WA history
When King Neptune's reign came to an end in 1990, it was a sad day for his subjects and fans of the once popular theme park. Images from Atlantis Marine Park in Two Rocks from the 1980's.
The WA women shaping the orchard industry
Podcasts
WA history
Podcast revealing the hidden backstory of the Lady Williams apple - hear from cultivator and innovator Maud Williams, Maud's family, Newton Orchards Director- Nic Giblett, author Jon Doust, Gina Pickering and Professor Susan Broomhall.
SLWA on ABC Radio
Dr Kate discusses the State Library’s collections relating to the LGBTQIA+ community in WA as part of PrideFEST celebrations and the acquisition of 270 Connections Nightclub posters.
WA history
The map was designed and engraved by the Nuremberg cartographer Philip Eckebrecht at the request of his friend Johannes Kepler. The map was intended to illustrate his Rudolphine Tables, used to more precisely calculate the positions of the moon and the known planets.
Audio recording of the panel discussion on death and dying
Death and Dying
What does a “good death” look like? Listen to four experts in a panel conversation - aiming to break taboos, ask and answer some important questions about death and dying.
WA history
A new addition to the State Library collection, the Hondius World Map by Jodocus Hondius the younger (1594 – 1629) is the earliest printed map to show the recent Dutch explorations on the West Coast of Australia.
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
This week Dr Kate discusses the1868 book of poetry by John Boyle O’Reilly, ahead of the Wild Goose Lecture on Sunday 16 October 2022 at the WA Maritime Museum.
A collection of stories exploring the most inevitable part of life.
Podcasts
Stories aiming to break the taboo of talking about death and dying, through sharing the real experiences of West Australians who have experienced it first-hand.
1926 -2022
WA history
Queen Elizabeth ll was the first reigning monarch of Australia to travel the country, first visiting WA in 1954, with her last visit in 2011. See a gallery of images and a video of her visits to WA.
WA history
The State Library's collection of WA COVID-19 images continues to grow, thanks to you. See highlights and find out how to donate.
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Senior Conservator Cristina Allbillos joins Dr Kate on ABC radio to explore the incredible story of the survivors from the Blenden Hall shipwreck who were marooned for months on Inaccessible Island in 1821.