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Queensland memorabilia

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Queensland

Queensland

Since 1934 the John Oxley Library has collected, preserved, and shared Queensland's memory. State Library is dedicated to community collaboration, collecting diverse materials that document the state's heritage. These collections promote public engagement for a deeper understanding of Queensland's history.

Sir Illuminated Album of water colours presented to His Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir John Goodwin

Explore the State Library's unique treasures and collections representing different aspects of Queensland's social history and contemporary stories.

Boys carrying a bundle of cabbage palm leaves

Explore the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through the photographs, manuscripts, oral histories and digital stories collections of the John Oxley Library.

Traditional African dance at the Africa Day Celebrations. Photo by Dean Saffron.

Queensland boasts a culturally and linguistically diverse society. Discover collections showcasing a selection of communities with materials in the John Oxley Library.

View along Adelaide Street from George Street with the buildings decorated for the Royal Visit, 1954

Living Queensland

From the Great Barrier Reef along the Queensland coastline to the Simpson Desert in the west, the island communities in the Torres Strait and the holiday destination of the Gold Coast in the south, Queensland is a state of unique contrasts. Through the collections of the John Oxley Library we invite you to explore a small taste of the experience of living in Queensland as we showcase the natural state and landscape, its vibrant community spirit, celebrations of culture and folklore, and the experiences of those who live and work in the bush and beyond the capital city of Brisbane in the south-east of the state.

Saffron, D. (2012). 28430 Dean Saffron 2012 Queensland State Election Photographs March 2012.

Political persuasions

Politics in Queensland is topical and sometimes controversial. Explore the unique collections reflecting the contemporary influences on Queensland. The content has a distinctly Queensland focus.

29250 Panorama of Medical and Nursing Staff during World War 1 at Yungaba Kangaroo Point Military Hospital 1917

Century of Service

Explore collections, blog posts and research about wartime history.

Drawing of Queensland house

The John Oxley Library holds a vast collection of drawings, manuscripts, design plans, house plans, building designs and related materials with links to built heritage and architecture in Queensland. View a selection of them with digitised drawings, images and digital stories with architects as they talk about their work.