Discover migrant heritage at the John Oxley Library Discovery Day on 2 June 2012

Join us on Saturday 2 June, as we explore the diversity of migration to Queensland with personal stories from our migrant communities and the discovery of photos, documents and oral histories in the John Oxley Library collection.

Learn more about the experiences of Australian South Sea Islanders and Italian, Russian, Greek, and German migrants in Queensland whose cultures have influenced our state. Explore the everyday treasures of many people born afar who now call Queensland home. Enjoy international food from The Library Café, music, talks, exhibition tours and morning tea or bring in your personal treasures for advice at our conservation clinic.

Here is a sample of some of the activities for the day :

• John Oxley Library on show: Migrant heritage and stories
  10am – 5pm, John Oxley Library Reading Room, level 4
  Discover and connect with Queensland’s primary collection of photographs, documents, books, diaries, and stories that will inspire a greater understanding of our state’s heritage from family histories to shared experiences of our migrant communities.

• John Oxley Library on show: In-focus sessions
  - 10.30am Italian
  - 11.15am Russian
  - 12pm Australian South Sea Islander
  - 12.45pm Greek
  - 1.30pm German,
  John Oxley Library Reading Room, level 4
  Join members of Queensland’s Australian South Sea Islander, German, Greek, Russian and Italian communities for five intriguing discussions about their unique experiences and diverse histories as they explore the treasures of the John Oxley Library.

• Tea & Me tea cup display
  10am – 12pm, Queensland Terrace, level 2
  Sharing stories and memories is at the heart of the Tea & Me project. Our record of them goes to make up the story of our social history; they shape our lives, communities and understanding of the world. Proudly supported by the Queensland Library Foundation

• Digital stories of the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders
  10am – 5pm, Real Time Wall, level 1
  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders give their perspectives on our contemporary state in a series of digital stories from the John Oxley Library collection.

• Migrant heritage research
  10am – 2pm, Fox Family White Gloves Room, level 4
  Do you need help researching your migrant heritage? Discover potential research avenues from Queensland State Archives, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and National Archives of Australia representatives.

• Queensland Memory Awards
  2pm – 3pm, slq Auditorium 1, level 2
  Bookings qmawards.eventbrite.com or 3840 7887
  Celebrate the valuable contributions made to ensure that the memories of Queensland, past and present are captured, preserved, and shared as our state’s unique cultural heritage.

• Community collecting workshop
  1pm – 1.30pm, Bank of Queensland Heritage Room, level 4
  Learn how to develop, manage, and make accessible your community collection of photographs, documents, and stories to preserve and share unique local Queensland content.

• Conservation Clinic
  12pm – 2pm, Meeting Room 1A, level 1
  Bookings 3842 9069, for enquiries please call 3840 7779
  Do you have a rare book, document, work on paper, family heirloom or photograph of your migrant heritage that you want to know how to care for correctly at home? The professional conservation staff from State Library carry out one-on-one, 15-minute consultations to look at your personal treasures. Bring a notebook to record the advice you receive.

• Donation Station
  12pm – 2pm, Knowledge Walk, level 1
  Come along to our Donation Station to find out more about what State Library collects and to discuss your donation options with expert staff from the John Oxley Library.