Media Release 18 Dec 2012
Explore concept of Finding Home this Christmas
An exhibition exploring the way early colonists related to their new home in Western Australia is on display at the State Library of Western Australia.
The Finding Home exhibition was developed by Perth historian Dr Jane Davis as part of her work as the recipient of the James Sykes Battye Memorial Fellowship.
The fellowship fosters research and publication into aspects of Western Australia based on the unique collections of the J S Battye Library of West Australian History within the State Library.
“The exhibition challenges the recurring themes in pioneer histories that colonial settlement was about the triumph over hardships in an alienating landscape. This perception denies men and women the possibility of developing a sense of belonging and calling their place in WA ‘home’,” Dr Davis said.
“Despite the hardships and challenges, these early Europeans responded positively to their new environment. Many of them even developed a sense of attachment and belonging to their places here.”
Dr Davis used the Battye Library in her research by accessing private archives containing letters, journals and diaries of selected colonists including George Fletcher Moore, Edmund Ashworth and Maude Wordsworth James.
The free exhibition is open for viewing until 28 February 2013 at the State Library Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday from 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5.30pm.
Over the holiday period the library will be open on the following days:
Mon 24 Dec Christmas Eve 9am to 5.30pm
Tues 25 Dec Christmas Day CLOSED
Wed 26 Dec Boxing Day CLOSED
Thurs 27 Dec 9am to 5.30pm
Fri 28 Dec 9am to 5.30pm
Sat 29 Dec 10am to 5.30pm
Sun 30 Dec 10am to 5.30pm
Mon 31 Dec New Year's Eve 9am to 5.30pm
Tues 1 Jan New Year's Day CLOSED
For further information please contact: Priscilla Fouracres, Manager Communications and
Marketing on 9427 3153 or 0416 812 390.
The State Library of Western Australia is located in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre. It
preserves and provides access to Western Australia’s published heritage and original historical
records. The State Library also provides numerous on-line and e-resources, many of which are
accessible from home using your public library membership. To see what else the State Library has to offer please check out the State Library’s web pages at http://slwa.wa.gov.au/
