Dear Supporter
“There is scarcely a home in the South West which is not in  the throes of the most acute anxiety as to the well being of relatives  or friends at the front.  Judging by the reports which are coming daily over the cables the Australian boys have done all that a proud country hoped from them.” 

The Collie Miner Saturday, May 4, 1915

[Image: No. 1 Section, A Company of the 11th Battalion in front of the Sphinx, 10 Jan 1915. CA/2716B. Reproduced courtesy of State Library WA]

The State Library collection holds a wealth of significant information contained in various newspapers, letters, diaries, photographs and journals.  Of particular importance, as we are commemorating the centenary of World War 1, are those records from 100 years ago.

These priceless mirrors of our past tell the living stories of West Australians – from the battlefields, to the day to day lives of people at home around the State.  From them we gain valuable insights into how our ancestors lived, worked and survived the horrors of warfare, and the effect on those back at home.

But the battle of time is massive and if the State Library is going to win we need your help. 
You can ensure we can digitise these fascinating documents and make them available online.  On the Homefront is our project to raise funds to ensure these stories will live forever. Learn more...

These stories are precious

Donate online now

Donations to On the Homefront will bring to life the stories of family, community and our heritage for generations to come.

$50 will enable conservation, preservation and a digital copy of a handwritten letter
$100 will digitise one edition of a regional newspaper and make it accessible through the National Library’s TROVE platform
$500 will digitise a diary written by a soldier serving on the front line

[Image: Dease Studios, Private Robert Alexander Colin McQueen and family, 1916 BA1011/3868. Reproduced courtesy of State Library WA]

Your gift will ensure that these important heritage documents from World War I are preserved, whilst allowing researchers and family historians to access them from wherever they are in the world. 

Their story is your story too.  You can help save their legacy!

Donate now

Open all Anzac weekend from 10am to 5:30pm, the State Library is hosting a number of free events you and your family can be part of.

Exhibition: “Giza to Gallipoli” from Saturday, 25 April – Sunday, 17 May 2015 in the Nook, Ground Floor. FREE, open during library hours. Features the iconic Cheops Photo [pictured] along with stories from some of those who appeared in the photograph.
[Image: 11th Battalion A.I.F. on the steps of the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt,
10 January 1915. BA/4496B. Reproduced courtesy of State Library WA]

Anzac Centenary History Fair:
Sunday, 26 April 2015 10:00am-4:00pm in State Theatre Centre.
Family history specialists, Tricia Fairweather and Leonie Hayes, will give an overview of State Library resources for genealogy and to assist researchers with their family history.

Author talk with Valerie Everett and Shannon Coyle
“Blackboy Hill is Calling”
11:00am, State Library Theatre, Ground Floor.
Blackboy Hill is Calling is the never-before recorded social history of Western Australia's most significant World War I training camp.

Interactive Art Installation: “Remember Me write often”
Sunday, 26 April & Monday, 27 April 2015  10:00am - 5:30pm
State Library of Western Australia Pond. Children will need to be supervised near the pond.
You are invited to place a message in a bottle in the pond and explore the growing collection of contemporary and historical reflections. 

Writing and illustration workshop “Animal Heroes”
10:30am-12:00pm and
1:00pm-2:30pm. The Place, Mezzanine Floor.
Suitable for 7 years or older.
Discover the story behind Simpson and his donkey and learn about Midnight: the story of a light horse with author Marc Greenwood and illustrator Frane Lessac.
Design and write your own Midnight and Duffy (the donkey) picture book pages.

[Image: Dease Studios, John Simpson Kirkpatrick at Gallipoli leading his donkey which carries a wounded soldier, 1915, 2884B Reproduced courtesy of State Library WA]

You can make an online tax deductible donation to the Foundation at any time by visiting our website. If you have recently donated may we thank you for your support.

Find out more here for other ways you can support the Library and the Foundation.

Best wishes,

Jane King
Executive Director 

P.S. You are receiving this e-newsletter because you are either connected to the activities of the State Library of WA Foundation or you've subscribed to receive our newsletter. Either way, we just wanted to let you know what is happening at the Foundation.