Media Release 02 Jan 2008
Historical Records Rescue Consortium Exhibition 05 January - 27 February 2008
A celebration of the milestones met and achievements of the Historical Records Rescue Consortium (HRRC) project go on public display at the State Library of Western Australia from 5 January – 27 February 2008. The exhibition details the processes used to ensure that WA’s past history is accessible today and preserved for the future. Entry is free.
Irreplaceable, unique heritage collections have been rescued, and are now easily accessible to the public. Set up in 2003 to preserve and make available the most at-risk and in-demand items from the JS Battye Library of West Australia History Collection, the HRRC project has been an outstanding success.
The Historical Records Rescue Consortium was granted $3 million by Lotterywest in July 2005, and the State Library of Western Australia and the Department of Culture and the Arts contributed over $1 million for equipment and funding support.
This grant enabled work to be undertaken on preparing and microfilming of over 800,000 pages of Western Australian major daily and regional newspapers, 150 ‘at risk’ films from the State Library’s film archives collection and over 77,000 photographic deteriorated negative images have been digitized. Of these images, over 48,000 are now available to the public through the State Library’s online catalogue.
To the rescue!, the exhibition hosted by the State Library, tells the story of the project, the problems faced, and how they have been overcome to ensure that this important information is kept for future generations.
There will be a series of free talks, tours, and showings of Films from Yesteryear to accompany the exhibition. From March onwards the exhibition will be available to tour regional and metropolitan libraries.
HRRC Exhibition Event Schedule – January and February 2008
Films From Yesteryear
Wednesdays at 12.30pm in the State Library Theatre, 9 January – 27 February (not 13 February)
Come on a journey back in time. View a selection of short films from the State Film Archives that have been preserved by the Historical Records Rescue Consortium funded by Lotterywest. These rarely seen films give a unique insight into our State’s history and development. Film screenings last approximately 60 minutes. Bookings not required.
Tour - Rescuing the Past
Wednesdays at 2.00pm, 23 & 30 January, 6, 13, 20 & 27 February
Are you curious to see how the State Library Conservators go about preserving our precious documents and records? This 45 minute behind-the-scenes tour will show you some of the fascinating work undertaken at the State Library for the Historical Records Rescue Consortium. Bookings essential, call 9427 3111 to reserve your place.
Talks - Unlocking the past: Every Picture Tells A Story
Weekdays at 11.00am, extra session on Wednesdays at 1.30pm, 21 January – 27 February
Meet the people who have been uncovering some remarkable tales whilst working on the HRRC project. Chat with them about the work required as they revealed the stories behind the people, places and events being recorded. Bookings not required.
Enquiries: Pat Beament, Project Manager, Historical Records Rescue Consortium
Ph. (08) 9427 3313 Email: pat.beament@slwa.wa.gov.au
For information on the Historical Records Rescue Consortium, see: http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/121854/20100810-1108/www.hrrc.org.au/index.html
