Heritage talks: Queensland cemeteries

Join us for our first Heritage Talk of 2026 where we will hear from a panel of experts and passionate friends of Queensland’s many storied and historical cemeteries. 

Cemeteries exist not only for the dead but also as a space for the living.  Across Queensland, they are now valued not only as a resting and remembering place, but also as places of historical significance and civic engagement that continue to connect communities in meaningful ways. 

Our speakers offer expert perspectives spanning history, sociology and contemporary cemetery practice:

• Dr Hilda Maclean, professional historian, genealogist, and archival researcher 
• Associate Professor Margaret Gibson, cultural sociologist from Griffith University
• Kerena McDonald, Coordinator of Cemetery Services for the Toowoomba Region and board member for The Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association (ACCA)

This event runs in conjunction with Dearly Departed: death in life, State Library's exhibition that encourages reflection on mortality through history, art and personal stories.  Audiences are welcome to visit the exhibition before or after the event to engage more deeply with its themes and artworks.

There will be a guided exhibition tour following the event, from 11.30 am until 12 pm. 

About Heritage talks
Our Heritage Talks connect audiences to our extraordinary collections by inviting speakers to share their expertise and perspectives on topics relating to Queensland history.