WA history

Armanda owner of Caf Pastel putting out Portuguese tarts 2022
WA history
Resilience was a photographic story-telling project inspired by the courage of businesses in Northbridge and their ability to adapt in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Relics from the wreck of the Zeewyck ie Zeewijk June 9 1727
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Listen to the incredible story of sunken treasure that has made its way through the years to find a home in the State Library’s rare collections. Coins from Dutch shipwrecks, what does seagull taste like and a Gelignite Buccaneer.
WA Reflections collage of frames
WA history
Five mini documentaries creatively use the State Library's heritage collection items – including letters, diaries, journals, photographs and oral recordings – to bring to life and share uniquely Western Australian stories from our State's history.
Acquisition of Bon Scott letters pictures and ephemera
SLWA on ABC Radio
WA history
Adam Trainer joins Sam Longley on ABC Radio to discuss a recent acquisition of rock legend Bon Scott's letters to the Library collection.
Cal Kramer in the State Library of WA preservation lab
WA history
The State Library of WA recently acquired two previously unseen postcards from Bon Scott to his friend, Colin Moore. Local rocker Cal Kramer of The Southern River Band visited the conservation lab to be the first member of the public to read these incredible postcards.
The dolphin show at Atlantis Marine Park Two Rocks 1984
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.
Apples at Newton Orchards processing facility
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.
Early map of the world designed by Philip Eckebrecht 1658
Maps and charts
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.
Hondius World Map by Jodocus Hondius 1594-1629 issued 1664
Maps and charts
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.
John Boyle OReilly book of poems 1868
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.
Royal visit inspecting motorcycle police escort 1954
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.
Masked shoppers in Northbridge during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020
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.