Turning the corner in the distinctive old Queenslander into a dark, charred room and that unmistakable smell of burnt timber. An assault on the senses that tells the horrific story of a young Aboriginal girl who died at Woorabinda after she was locked in her quarters by her "employers" and accidentally knocked over a kerosene lamp. This confronting art installation by Brisbane artist Dale Harding is part of the new exhibition GOMA Q, which has been described as the "first broad survey" of contemporary Queensland art. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/goma-turns-its-attention-close-to-home-in-new-exhibition-20150710-gi9sdo.html#ixzz3fkr2O4Hj
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Indian Freedom Fighters Tell Their Story
E.K. Narayanan Nambiar still carries the wounds of his encounter with British colonialists in his mind – and in his body. He recounts the heroism of his compatriots during the Kavumbai struggle against imperialism and feudalism and his imprisonment at Velloor Jail, with such animation and attention to detail as if it happened yesterday, rather than in the 1930s, during the height of the freedom struggle. Listening to him in rapt attention are a team of city-based historians of the Department of History, University of Kerala, who are documenting the oral history of the freedom struggle in Kerala, straight from the mouths of of freedom fighters like the 89-year-old Narayanan and many others. “A bullet and shrapnel from those days are still lodged in his body and he was game enough to show us scars on his arm and leg,” says A.S. Vysakh, with near wonder. For full story click here.
Annual New Zealand Oral History Awards
“These awards enable people to tell their stories and ensure they are recorded for both current generations and those who follow,” Alison Parr, Senior Oral Historian, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage (Ministry) said today. “Nine oral histories have received a total of more than $55,000 in NZOH awards funding for projects which will make a significant contribution to understanding New Zealand’s history,” Alison Parr said. For full story click here.
From cassette to short film
Have a listen to this interview with filmmaker Kristine Stolakis who discovered an oral history interview in San Francisco, with a gay man in the American navy and turned it in to a short film "The Typist". Listen to how it was done – great use for an old oral history. For full story with audio and link to trailer for "The Typist" click here.
Two Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Story
Shmuel and Fredja Rothbard – both Holocaust survivors, landed in Auckland this week from Israel to begin a powerful journey sharing their remarkable survival stories to students and community groups. Like many survivors, their stories are full of hardship and suffering but also of kindness and humanity, which miraculously saved their lives during WW2. Read full story here.
Female Wollongong Steelworkers documentary
Wollongong writer John Rainford approached Melanie Barnes about an idea he had to make a documentary about Wollongong's history – from strikes in the coalmines and the Pig Iron Bob dispute, to the current battle to stop coal seam gas. He originally wanted to do an oral history project, but then saw potential for it to be turned into a film. See full story here.
Rosie the Riveter Project Continues (USA)
Football Federation Australia Museum
In May 2015, Football Federation Australia (FFA) published its Whole of Football Plan. Within that document it announced plans for the creation of a football museum within an ‘Australian home of football’. There is already discussion of how and where this establishment will be built and what its functions and scope should be. Read full story here.
Jewish Refugees and Shanghai Exhibition
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the victory of the World War against Fascism. Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, in association with China Cultural Center in Sydney and the Confucius Institute of Sydney University, held “Jewish Refugees and Shanghai” exhibition in Sydney, Australia, from April 20 to May 20. For full story click here.
Dying Trades
At 84, the local cobbler Harry Cahill is as busy as ever – but now he’s the only one in town. It’s a sign of the times that there’s no apprentice to follow in his footsteps. As a cobbler, Harry mends everything from summer sandals to boots and leather bags. He even had a Scotsman’s sporran on the workbench for repair when the Advocate visited. The community is highlighting disappearing trades. See full story here.