Archive for the ‘history’ Category

Coming soon in 2010 is a new website developed for students

The Kokoda Track 1942 – In 1942, along a narrow track over the rugged mountains of Papua New Guinea, 625 Australians were killed and over 1000 wounded…

The fighting there, against a Japanese invasion force, was perhaps the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II.

This site will help students to understand about this extraordinary event: Why it occurred, who was involved and what it was like to face death in the jungled mountains along the Kokoda track.

Visit  http://kokoda.commemoration.gov.au/ to register your interest.

Louise McMorland, Youth Librarian, Manly Library

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an Australian cultural icon

The Sydney Harbour Bridge site includes a the history of the bridge plus engineering science details.   This site provides support for teachers and students who wish to explore aspects of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in their studies.  Articles include: Why Sydney Harbour needed a bridge: a missing link, JJC Bradfield and JT Lang: the movers and shakers, The bridge-builders, The 1920s – working lives, Six million rivets: The timeline.  There is also a special section for engineering studies with articles on Mechanics, Hydraulics, materials, Surveying and Professional Issues

Scan of original 94-page document.
"Report on Tenders, 1924"

 

Louise McMorland, Youth Librarian, Manly Library

What is ONE hundred?

ONE hundred is a major exhibition at the Mitchell Library, from 9 March to 16 June, 2010.  The Mitchell Library opened its doors on 9 March, 1910.  

100 objects, 100 days and 100 years…Each letter of the alphabet is a composite of objects including maps, books, paintings and relics. Beautifully designed, the alphabet celebrates the collection in new and unexpected ways, revealing pieces from below stairs. 

This interesting website “History and Evolution of Social media” covers 9 major social media topics:  Precursors to Social Media, early Social Media, Advances, Niche Networks, News & Bookmarking, Real Time Updates, Lifestreaming and Lifecasting, Concerns and Criticisms and the Role of Social Media in Pop Culture.  This article was found on an interesting website called webdesignerdepot

Louise, Youth Librarian, Manly Library (from a news item on a SLNSW e-list)

The Australia Post website “Letters of a Nation” has hundreds of original letters, by Australians.  They can be searched by CATEGORY eg migration, politics, war, milestone events, or by TIME PERIOD eg 1850-1899, 1940-1949.  The letters also have transcripts – so you don’t have to read the difficult older handwritings.

Are you interested in History and/or Law? The Francis Forbes Society of Australian Legal History has a great essay writing competition – they are looking for essays that entertain about Australian history – win prizes for your school and for yourself – visit the website at http://www.forbessociety.org.au/ for more information – Louise, Youth Librarian @ Manly Library