The National Historical Collection

The National Historical Collection is the National Museum of Australia's core collection of Australian history. This rich and diverse collection of Australian historical material is held in trust for the nation.

The Museum researches, collects and represents three inter-related fields:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories
• Australian history and society since 1788
• people's interaction with the Australian environment.

Thomas Lock's convict token. Photo: Dragi Markovic.

These three areas are intertwined and many of the Museum's collections relate to more than one field.

The National Historical Collection contains one of the world's largest collections of bark paintings and the collection of the former Australian Institute of Anatomy, including the racehorse Phar Lap's heart.

The collection also features an assortment of historical vehicles, material related to Australian politics and politicians, over 300 convict tokens, and an extensive collection of Aboriginal breastplates.

The National Historical Collection is a relatively young collection by international standards. It consists of objects acquired by transfer from other government agencies, through donation and bequest, and by purchase.

Two foundation documents have guided the Museum's development: the Report of the Committee of Inquiry on Museums and National Collections (Pigott Report, 1975) and the National Museum of Australia Act 1980.

The Museum also develops and maintains supporting archival and educational collections. These collections are important resources that provide additional information and historical context for the National Historical Collection.

More information about some of the most interesting objects in the collection is available at Collection highlights. To see some of the objects the Museum has recently added to the collection, visit Recent acquisitions.

Expert speakers explored the history and evolution of the National Historical Collection at a 25th anniversary symposium at the National Museum in 2006.

> Recent acquisitions

> Collection highlights

> Collections search

> National Museum of Australia Act 1980 - AustLit Commonwealth Consolidated Acts website

> Collections home