The National Archives
The National Archives of Australia preserves Australia's valuable Commonwealth records. These records trace the events and decisions that shaped the nation, Australian stories, big and small, history as it happened and the people involved.
Prized items in the collection include the personal papers of former Prime Ministers including Billy Hughes, John Curtin, Harold Holt, Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke, Gough Whitlam and Paul Keating.
The Federation Gallery displays seven key documents in Australia's history, including some which are listed on UNESCO's Australian Memory of the World register. The National Archives holds a range of material relating to the drafting of the Australian constitution. These include early drafts, handwritten notes and intriguing ephemera relating to travel and accommodation arrangements for those attending the constitutional conventions. Other jewels include the entries for the design Canberra and Australia's Parliament House, and trademarks of well-known companies such as Arnott's and Sunlight.
The National Archives is located in the refurbished East Block building next to Old Parliament House. East Block was designed by J S Murdoch, the Government Architect who also designed Old Parliament House and West Block. The three buildings were completed and opened in 1927 and share a symmetrical relationship.
The National Archives of Australia is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Phone 02 6212 3600 for information. Admission is free.