Minutes of the Local Studies Librarians’ Meeting held at Macquarie Regional Library, Dubbo, NSW November 2, 2018
Present: Ellen Forsyth, SLNSW; Ronald Briggs, SLNSW; Dan Fredericks, Parkes; Sally Anderson, volunteer Macquarie Regional Library (Narromine); Norma Meadley, volunteer Macquarie Regional Library (Narromine); Geoffrey Potter, Central Coast; Donna Braye, Mosman; Kimberly O’Sullivan, Cessnock; Simone Taylor, Macquarie Regional Library; Sue Aird, Upper Hunter (Aberdeen); Virginia Risby, Upper Hunter (Murrurundi); Skye Campbell, Bathurst; Maria Paterson, Bathurst; Patou Clerc, Bathurst; Craig Callaghan, Mid-Western Regional Council; Fiona Nevell Mid-Western Regional Council; Julie Sykes, Orange City Libraries; Allison Campbell, Orange Regional Museum and Gallery; Karen Hagan, Dundullimal Homestead; Louise Martin, Dundullimal Homestead; Lyn Campbell, Dundullimal Homestead, Sally Walters, Big Sky Libraries; Sam Leah, Wagga Wagga; Peter Hobbins, University of Sydney; Megan Pitt, Tamworth.
Apologies: Jessica Graham, Ku-ring-gai Council; Shirley Ramrakha, Willoughby; Neera Sahni, Parramatta; Billie Arnull, Wingecarribee; Elisabeth McCutcheon, Gilgandra; Kay Shirt, Lithgow; Jeff Stonehouse, Port Macquarie-Hastings; Angela Phippen, Ryde; Michelle Nichols, Hawkesbury.
Meeting commenced at 9.25 am
Acknowledgement of Country by Helen Thompson, Acting Branch Manager at Dubbo library
Donna Braye (Local Studies Librarians’ committee member) thanked the committee, speakers and the staff of Macquarie Regional Library (Dubbo) for their help in organising the day.
1. Mad Mossy: the Albert Andrew Moss exhibition. Jessica Moore, Collections Officer, Western Plains Cultural Centre.
The next exhibition to be mounted at WPCC will be about serial killer Albert Andrew Moss, a career criminal who came to prominence in the Narromine area during the Great Depression. An itinerant worker himself, Moss preyed on other itinerant swagmen who were often not missed when they went missing. He said in testimony that he had made his “Baker’s dozen” of killings, and he made criminal history by being the first person convicted of murder without a body ever actually being found. No book has ever been written about Moss’ life and criminal career. Piecing together Moss’ life has been very challenging, with much contradictory material emerging.
Why create an exhibition on Moss? True crime is very popular with the public. There has been a lack of research and limits because of time passing on the life and crimes of Moss. There is oral and ephemeral information a plenty. This research and exhibition provides an opportunity to confirm or refute that information. Moss’ narrative is an engaging story, with links to the legends of the Australian bushman, swagmen and itinerant workers. In-depth research into Moss will access new information based on solid research. Permission has been obtained to access Moss’ personal medical records. Moss is a significant Australian criminal of national importance. If his “Baker’s dozen” statement is true, he was the worst serial killer in Australian history to date. The story seems to have become largely unknown in the communities where it took place. Reviving the stories around Moss means that the community can access ongoing relevant and engaging historical narratives about their own past.
What will the Exhibition tell? The exhibition will provide an overview of Albert Moss’ life and case specifics, his trial and the history of criminal detection techniques relevant to the case.
Exhibition is a community project: 5 different languages are used in Dubbo. The exhibition will use these to maximise inclusion. A Braille version of exhibition information will be included. Exhibition will address groups who feel marginalised and for whom accessibility may have posed a problem. Museums play a role in conceiving and implementing the programs & enrich the lives of all community members.
Institutions approached include: NSW Health Western Area (Cumberland) as Moss had been connected to institutions in that area. State Records is another source for gaol, police and other records.
Summary: Mad Mossy exhibition shows that hard topics can be dealt with and popular subjects for exhibitions. Annual programming funding is being used to fund the project. There is a short gestation period for the project, with much research to be done. Mad Mossy should be on display from August 2019.
2. Paddock to Plate: a history of food and wine in the Orange district. Sandra McEwan, freelance curator, Orange Museum.
Sandra McEwan was originally from the Central West. She left in 1969 and was pleased to return as a freelance curator for this project. Orange Regional Museum is 2 years old, and has few objects of its own. For the Paddock to Plate project it was necessary to draw on the resources of the community to source and borrow objects for display. A very broad geographical area was searched for objects. Millthorpe, Byng, Blayney, Canowindra and other locations were included. Individuals and institutions such as Farmers’ groups, CWA and the “regional grapevine” were used to track down important stories and objects long forgotten and hidden.
The project: 350 items and 103 images were eventually borrowed from the community for display. Collected items came in all shapes, sizes and conditions. Orange Library staff cooperation was a key part of effective local history research. An overarching theme, based around Mt Canobolas was the foundation of the displays. Mt Canobolas is an extinct volcano. Rich volcanic soils abound in the Orange district, and these soils make Orange an extremely fertile farming district. The main themes of the exhibition are provided below: Tips and hints: Start with a strong story…Be specific in your project description. The regional grapevine is a fantastically powerful source. Respect and harvest the expertise existing in the community. Give back to the community e.g. new soil maps that were created for the exhibition now provide resources for the community. Local businesses gave time, knowledge and skills freely to assist when asked e.g. Set-up of props, stands and beautiful vineyard setting for “Orange cornucopia” image. The community was very generous with time and expertise. Indigenous visitors are delighted that indigenous and European foods are displayed together. Surprise and delight works every time. Make things look beautiful. Pinch ideas from other institutions. See everyone else’s work. If you are delighted with an idea, then others are likely to be delighted as well.
Summary: The exhibition has been very well received. The community “Owns” the exhibition, and were involved at all levels of its planning and implementation, which took 7 months plus of high-pressure work to achieve. Sandra can be contacted at: edgymagpie@gmail.com
3. Invisible farmer project. Catherine Forge cforge@museum.vic.gov.au
The Invisible Farmer project aims to capture the stories and voices of Australian women in agriculture, and is the result of many institutions working collaboratively. The project collects historical and contemporary stories. Actual work commenced in 2017 but has its origins much further back in time to the 1990s. Museums Victoria had many farming objects in its collections, but very little about women on the Land. A need was recognised to capture Australian farming women’s stories. Bush myths and legends are mostly blokey/masculine, but where are the women? It seems that women farmers were written out of history. The contribution of women to farming is practical, economic and domestic, they made sure they “kept farms running”. Histories do exist but they exist in living memories, family stories etc. “Gathering groups” for women in farming started at Warragul, Victoria in 1990. Since then, Victorian rural women have met at annual events, Women on Farms Gatherings present opportunities to share common interests, exchange information, celebrate their contribution to their farms and communities, and support and nurture each other. Each Gathering is linked by a tradition of sharing memories, symbolic icons, women's stories, workshops, rituals, farm tours, good food and fun. The meaning, identity and action expressed through these collective activities are often 'life changing' for participants and foster a deep sense of community. The objects at the centre of each gathering may be everyday…a cow pat, a computer motherboard, a mallee root, but the stories connected to the objects combine to create powerful imagery.
Google image searches under “Australian farmer” provide a good example of how women are not yet recognised as being integral to the farming scene. 90% of images returned show male farmers.
Poor metadata attached to images (in museums, libraries and on public websites) hampers the search for images of women in farming. Women may not be mentioned at all but are present in many images. Contemporary collecting of oral histories and photography is an important part of the project. Invisible farmer provides a wholistic approach to recording the day-to-day of women’s farming life. It looks at indoor/outdoor/physical/administrative aspects of their lives. Some participants are new to farming, others long-term. Diverse stories build up to provide a clearer picture.
2 people work on the project. Only so much can be done with limited resources, but social media has been very helpful in facilitating collection of stories and images, and linking participants across the country and within communities. Wide community bases are being reached through website appeals for stories. Social media and community generated content available on blogs and twitter . Instagram has been found valuable for locating images with minimal text. Twitter is great for connecting to collecting institutions. Facebook is useful for amazing dialogue and discussions. Life changing experiences are coming out of this project. The community owns the project. There are large numbers of Australian participants and extensive Australian reach, and the project is now starting to be noticed and have an impact overseas. The project could be characterised as a mix of museum practice and digital engagement.
If Libraries have relevant Oral History or photographic material Invisible farmer is interested. Funding ends after 3 years, but it is hoped that the community momentum experienced will help gain additional funding for stage 2. This project is taking on its own energy. If you would like to contribute photographs of local women farmers, a photography cheat sheet is available. Very good digital images can be taken on iPhones. Please look at your own library photo collections and tag women appropriately. Poor digital copies of photographs are better than no image at all.
Note: Ellen Forsyth, SLNSW suggested Safiya Umoja Noble’s 2018 book “Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism” as an interesting discussion of how negative biases against women can be reinforced by search engines.
4. Riverina Big projects for small communities. Sam Leah, Regional Museums Officer, Wagga Wagga.
Wagga Museum has been recently involved in a range of strategic projects as opposed to simple outreach. Projects have used the community grapevine to reach into rural areas, while the Regional Museum Officer acts in a facilitator role. Museum Hack is a great blog to follow on small museum trends.
Recent projects for Riverina regional museums include: - “Talking machines” This project consists of 43 short films/ oral histories on how machines transformed Riverina farming. This was a collaborative project between museum advisors, council staff and volunteers. It has created local history content of national historical significance. - “Indigenous object search” Many farmers find indigenous stone tools and other objects on their land. These often remain hidden from the public for generations. This joint project with ANU aims to record the objects in their communities, and to provide guidance for local museums in the significance and care of indigenous historical items. - “We are here: LGBTI Riverina stories” This was a 2 month exhibition. Council supported project. Protocols protected staff from occasional phone abuse. You may cop flak for presenting some topics, but do it anyway. - “Steam the Museum” An interactive upcoming exhibition curated by Stage 3 Opportunity class students from Sturt Public School. Science museums often have these kinds of projects, but seldom are they done by Social History Museums. Gifted and talented student classes were targeted for their abilities but also for the independence that their teachers have. Activities include virtual reality and App development, 3D printing etc. Technology projects are integral to programs. Technology created becomes a community resource. Challenges may include long-term sustainability, personal interest projects vs greater good, competing interests within the institution, risk of burn-out. Do it anyway. Make change, take it to the community!
5. Local Studies in a flash 1: The Milligan Project @ Woy Woy Library. Geoffrey Potter, Local History Librarian, Central Coast Library Service.
Introduction: The parents of late comedian Spike Milligan (1918-2002) lived in retirement near Woy Woy on the Central Coast from the 1950s onwards. Spike first visited Woy Woy in 1958, and fell in love with the place. For the next three decades Spike was a regular visitor to Australia, and Woy Woy was made famous because of it. Since the early 2000s fans of Spike Milligan had donated memorabilia to the Library Collection. In 2016 Spike’s family donated an extraordinary collection of photographs, documents and heirlooms to the Central Coast Library. A permanent display and theatrette space has now been built to commemorate the Milligan family and their local connections, and also to provide a unique place to celebrate the life and work of Spike Milligan. Many, including the Monty Python team, regard Spike as the father of alternative comedy. Spike died in Rye, Sussex in 2002. On his headstone in Gaelic is the famous epitaph “I told you I was ill”.
The Woy Woy connection: Following WW2 Spike’s parents had had enough of “Grey Old England” with its war-damaged cities, rationing and austerity. They moved to Australia in 1951, first living in Sydney and then in Woy Woy. Their move to Australia coincided with the rise to radio stardom of Spike. Initially Spike came to Woy Woy in 1958, and from then on he visited quite regularly, often staying for several months and writing, bushwalking and exploring. He lent his name to local conservation and heritage projects, and often included references to Woy Woy in his comedy. He has never quite been forgiven for his quip “Woy Woy is the largest above-ground cemetery in the world”, but this belied a great affection for the area.
Planning funding and construction: As mentioned at the start of the presentation, a wonderful collection of Milligan-related memorabilia, photographs and objects had been gathered from fans and family over 15 or so years. Previous attempts had been made to include a Milligan display in the multi-use “Spike Milligan Room”, but these had been fruitless because of the competing uses of the room, and the lack of space in which to house a permanent exhibition. Eventually a plan was hatched to build the exhibition on the main library floor. Central Coast Library Service received a State Library of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant for $188,492 to deliver this project.
The Space: The Milligan space, which consists of a permanent exhibition area and 6-seater theatrette was planned to tell the story of all the Milligan family. Kim Chase design came up with the design concept, based on discussions with staff. In order to create the Milligan space, parts of the main Library received alterations including a new reference desk with improved visibility, mobile shelving and new carpet. All parts of the exhibition are wheelchair accessible. The design contains displays and presentations while minimising noise leakage into the main library space.
Theatrette and films: The Theatrette seats six. Three films are currently shown. The Milligans of Woy Woy is a 16 minute overview of the lives of the Milligans and their connection to Woy Woy. It was especially created for the exhibition, and is shown only in the Theatrette at present. A 1936 newsreel, Woy Woy: the Venice of Australia, and a more recent film Spike Milligan: I told you I was Ill are also shown with permission. Eventually the plan is to play on rotation more Milligan-related documentaries, films and radio shows but first rights must be negotiated.
The displays: Displays are all housed in proprietary showcases by Showfront with LED lighting. Timers on showcase lights and smart-TV controls allow for automatic operation of the space. All that needs to be done by staff is to switch the main lights on and off at opening and closing. The displays feature original memorabilia and photographs from the Milligan family. There are potentially hundreds of Milligan-related stories and themes that can be explored in different displays. Public response to the Milligan space has been excellent. In undertaking a project like this, it is important to consider the amount of highly concentrated time and effort needed for long periods of in-depth research required to support planning, film production and displays.
6. Local Studies in a flash 2: Come fly with me. Kimberley O’Sullivan, Local Studies Librarian, Cessnock Library
To coincide with a September 2018 giant air show being held at Cessnock airport, Cessnock Library planned a display called “Come Fly with me”. During research it was discovered that pioneer aviator Bert Hinkler landed at Cessnock, and stayed several days with mechanical problems. The event inspired a local man to build his own plane.
To help promote the library-based display, Cessnock Visitor Information Centre (based at the airport) staff were approached and briefed to direct air show visitors to the library display. The Visitor Centre staff members were very interested and supportive. They were great ambassadors for the display. A different audience (air show attendees) were successfully directed to and enjoyed the library display.
7. Local Studies in a flash 3: Dubbo’s tin town: a forgotten shanty town. Simone Taylor, Local Studies Officer, Macquarie Library.
Project commenced as part of research for short history talks at Western Plains Cultural Centre. Talks highlight local studies resources. A new topic is researched each year. Tin Town was a shanty town near Dubbo in use 1920s-1950s. The area is now a permanent subdivision. This area was poorly recorded in maps and documents. It was a Depression era camp, and improved hygiene and water services were I need. Those who lived there were generally tolerated and accepted as a result of the Depression, but as economic conditions improved and the Depression receded a stigma grew. Oral history helped fill the gaps in the written record. Counter to the stigmatized view of life in Tin Town the oral histories of former residents presented a fond or happier view of life there. It was their home. ABC Media picked up on the talks, and the story received a very high level of regional and broader NSW promotion . A project like this can be a great promotion for Local Studies collections. The collections are grown through donations of information and photographs. The presentations and these talks are now an integral part of Dubbo’s Local Studies delivery model.
8. International Year of Indigenous Language 2019. Ronald Briggs, Librarian Indigenous Services, SLNSW.
Amplify is a great tool for making oral history material available. A new version offers refinements, and more libraries have become part of a trial. 2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Language . Ronald is asking Libraries to engage where possible with local indigenous communities and groups to record or promote indigenous languages. It is preferable that language is actually recorded by indigenous interviewers. Ronald can supply on-the-ground support for Libraries to collect own interviews. Long-term relationships built on trust are important with indigenous groups. It is recommended that local interviews be kept locally rather than in larger institutions. The SLNSW Rediscovering Indigenous Languages website is still available as an archived website. Currently emphasis is placed on assisting indigenous educators with language resources.
9. Arthur J. Vincent photograph Collection (Vincent Studios). Lesley Abraham, Dubbo & District Family History Society.
Dubbo & District Family History Society, a volunteer group, has 90 members and 23 library assistants. The Vincent Studio Collection was donated to the Society in 1998 after long periods in very poor storage conditions. Over 15,000 scans have been created to date. The collection is being selectively scanned. Negatives for a particular order can have multiple views of the same person from different angles. Dates for the collection span from the 1940s to the 1980s. Weddings, debutante balls, parades, portraits, babies, passport photographs, sports teams, soldiers, politicians etc. make up the bulk of the collection. Negatives following original receipt were sorted by broad topic. This was not helpful as this led to a separation of related job numbers. Most scans are identified by Job number and cross-referenced. The negatives have been retained following scanning, but many have vinegar syndrome which brings with it many challenges, both from a health perspective for workers and the preservation of images on rapidly deteriorating supports.
This is a massive project. For management purposes a pdf version of the scanned negative list is loaded on a Society workstation. This is searchable by keyword. It is difficult to be certain that the right person’s name is attached to the right image. Families can enquire through the Society’s website. Currently scans are $5.00 each from the group. (Note: This raised questions from those present regarding charging for the photos without clear indication of who owns copyright. It was suggested that Australian Copyright Council might be contacted for clarification. The Vincent Collection may be characterized as a large Orphan Work collection).
10. An intimate pandemic: seeking sources and stories of the “Spanish Flu”, 1919. Peter Hobbins, Department of History, University of Sydney.
Despite its’ having a devastating impact on many communities, the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918- 1919 is often passed over in local histories. For Peter interest in the Pandemic grew out of work at Sydney Quarantine Station. The pandemic affected individuals and their families. This project encourages family and local historians to examine the impacts of the Pandemic on their families and communities. What stories come through local records and sites such as cemeteries? The Flu story affected men and women. Many mining communities were vulnerable. NSW had very draconian responses to the outbreak. Emergency measures include closing public premises, mask wearing, quarantine and restrictions on Sydney visitors to rural towns.
The Flu followed the railway lines and moved around the State with itinerant workers. Communities met the challenge in different ways. The volunteer response from WW1 had shaped the community response, with groups forming and acting very quickly. The Flu started overseas in the first half of 1918 in Northern Europe. Quarantine in Australia may have helped to lessen the impact on Australia. It arrived in Australia in Oct. 1918, but did not come ashore until January 1919. The 2nd half of 1919 saw the worst outbreaks. The response to the Spanish Flu could be considered a community success story. Possible sources include local collections, National Archives, Australian War Memorial, State Archives, SLNSW, local Council records, local sites such as cemeteries etc. Infectious diseases registers may be in Council Archives. Records may exist in Council Sanitary Engineers reports. RAHS is supporting this project and encouraging community history and sharing.
Meeting closed 4.15pm
Next Meetings:
Metropolitan: Parramatta Sydney March 2019
Regional: Albury NSW November 2019.
Next meeting and agenda local studies
Wider local studies This provides information about the national local studies network.