Wednesday October 1, 2008
Firsts on Flickr from the State Library of NSW
Opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge; the first cars at the toll bar.
The State Library of NSW joined the The Commons on Flickr on Monday.
The Commons on Flickr was launched early this year with the aim of increasing access to publicly-held photography collections and providing a way for the general public to contribute information and knowledge – then watch what happens when they do!
The State Library has an impressive collection to share.
The State Library is home to one of Australia’s most significant historical and heritage collections. As well as nearly 11 kilometres of manuscripts – from nine 1788 First Fleet journals through to the archives of contemporary organisations and writers – the Library holds more than one million photographs. From the earliest surviving photograph taken in Australia – in January 1845 – through to digital photographs taken last month, the Library’s unrivalled photographic collections document with powerful clarity the way Australians have lived their lives over two centuries.
Some of these photographs can now be seen on Flickr, with the first sets appropriately themed ‘Australian firsts…’
- Australia’s first women Olympians
- Earliest known surviving photograph taken in Australia
- First Miss Australia
- First time Australian Aborigines formally protest their treatment
- First pilot to carry passengers in a powered aircraft in Australia
Explore the State Library’s photostream. And look for the link to see the photo located on a map!