Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Cover art: Lake Burley Griffin tourist brochure from ArchivesACT
In Brief:
- The ArchivesACT Reading Room has moved to a new location.
- This story outlines some of the records that have been discovered at ArchivesACT.
- It details how to visit or book an appointment at the Reading Room.
“Experience the elegant charm of the old Lanyon Homestead.”
“Try an English counter lunch and a Guinness in Tudor surrounds at the George Harcourt Inn.”
“Go dancing at Juliana’s disco at the Lakeside International.”
Can you guess where these phrases might have been published?
The first two could easily be from a VisitCanberra Instagram post. The third might be a giveaway – especially if you were of nightclubbing age in the ‘80s.
These recommendations are straight from a 1982 Canberra Tourist Bureau brochure. It was called Canberra: for Romantics. It serves as a window back in time to what our city was like in the early ‘80s.
Tips from other brochures in the series include:
- booking a stay at Gowrie Hostel
- trying a grill-your-own steakhouse, like the Stockade
- dining at Emma’s at “the Civic” or “the Kingston”.
The brochures are the November 2024 find of the month from ArchivesACT. It’s just one example of the many pieces of Canberra’s history you’ll find within their records.
What is the Reading Room?
The ArchivesACT Reading Room is like Canberra’s very own time machine. It is open to the public and holds most ACT Government records that are more than 20 years old.
The records offer more than just a moment of nostalgia. These are some of the community members who’ve recently used the Reading Room:
- a group of Spence locals organising a party to celebrate the suburbs 50th birthday
- a researcher looking into the history of Wyabalena Grove in Cook
- a curator from ACT Historic Places investigating the history of Mugga Way.
What sort of records can I find?
ArchivesACT are a great source of information if you’ve ever wanted to find out more about:
- the history of your home, street, or suburb
- historic events or festivals
- the background of a Canberra organisation
- information about the development or history of a cultural institution.
How can I visit the Reading Room?
The Reading Room has recently moved to Building 6, 9 Sandford Street Mitchell. You can organise a visit by contacting Archives ACT or visiting on one of their ‘Walk In’ service days. These are on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm.
Find out more or book an appointment.
Read more about these brochures and explore previous Find of the Month.
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