Capital history in the news
New book celebrates the life of Jean Blackburn, UC's first Chancellor | Described as a feminist and social justice activist, the University of Canberra’s first Chancellor, Jean Blackburn, has been immortalised in a biography of her life that was recently launched at the University.
Celebrating 35 years since female paramedics began working in the ACT | Great article for illustrating how women’s working lives have changed. Female paramedics joined the ACT Ambulance Service for the first time 35 years ago and two of these pioneering women are profiled here.
Collectors make way to Canberra to gather round the wireless for Radiofest | The Historical Radio Society of Australia met in Canberra to appreciate, buy and sell vintage radios. Radiofest organiser Richard Begbie explains that members enjoy collecting but also have a strong interest in the social history of how the vintage radios were used by earlier generations.
Replica of world's first production car goes on display at the German Auto Day | Canberra’s annual German Auto Day includes a replica of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world’s first production car. Interesting story about Bertha Benz, wife of the inventor, driving the car on its first long distance journey.
Robert Hoddle Ginninginderry [i.e. Ginninderra] Plains watercolour mystery finally solved | Another enjoyable article from Tim the Yowie Man. A long-running local mystery has been the location depicted in Robert Hoddle’s 1832 watercolour of Ginninderra Creek. Tim explains that on the evidence available, including drone footage, it seems the spot is in Umbagong District Park, near Denny Street, Latham.
The crypt under St Christopher's | Archives ACT article about the Minister for the Interior, Ralph Hunt’s approval in 1972 of the Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, The Most Reverend Thomas V Cahill’s proposal for the burial of bishops beneath the sanctuary of St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka.
Acknowledgement: Inspired by Canberra’s Radiofest the image above is Healing Mantel Radio (1936) by Fowler, L., & Commercial Photographic Co., photographer. It comes from the State Library of Victoria. Note this image is not in copyright. See acknowledgement page for full details.
Please share. Let’s get the past and present talking.
