Irish Newspaper Archives

The National Library of Australia provides access to the largest online database of Irish newspapers in the world. The archive dates from 1763 to the present and includes a mix of out-of-print and current titles.

Titles include the Irish Independent (1905 - current), The Freeman's Journal (1763-1924), the Connacht Tribune (1909-2007), the Leitrim Observer (1924- Jan 1976), the Meath Chronicle (1897- April 2005) and the Southern Star (1892-2006).

Registered readers can access the Irish Newspaper Archives via the eResources portal
Register as a reader at the Library website.

Maitland Gaol’s clever escape plan

From the Maitland Mercury report:
Tall sandstone walls and razor wire were not enough to hold all of the prisoners at Maitland Gaol. The stories of the 34 documented escapes from Maitland Gaol form a dramatic narrative that will be told on a new tour of the historic site to be introduced today. Researcher Steve “Mac” McLennan will present the tour.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 11 Apr, 2011.  

Australian War Memorial News

The Australian War Memorial's ANZAC Day Dawn Service voted in top 100 things to do in Australia!
Earlier this year, Australian Traveller, asked readers to vote for their favourite things to do in Australia. The magazine received hundreds of nominations from local secrets, to stumbled-upon surprises, and well-tramped icons of the outback.

From that list, a panel of ten well-respected and well-travelled Australians helped vote on the top 100 things every Australian traveller must do before they die. Attending the Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial came in at number 85.

Free Walking Tour: “Walking Through History” Ultimo College

As part of its 120th anniversary celebrations, Ultimo College (part of TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute) is giving lovers of history and architecture the chance to join small personal tours of its historical campus. Taking about 60 minutes, the tour is filled with interesting anecdotes of the times, of politics and past students and will be led by expert historian, Norm Neill.

When: Monthly from 5 April until 6 December, 12:15pm until 1.30pm.
Where: Ultimo College
Cost: Free.
Bookings: Must be made in advance by emailing SydneyTAFE.120years@tafensw.edu.au
or call 9217 3380

Restored to former glory

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The romance of travelling on a 1960s “red rattler” diesel rail motor will bring back memories for many visitors at this weekend’s Steamfest celebrations.
The Rail Motor Society at Paterson has restored the twin diesel engine 621-721, built in Sydney in the early 1960s.

Full article by Rebecca Berry available at Maitland Mercury, 08 Apr, 2011.

Greta to honour its war vets

From the Maitland Mercury report:
The definitive list of service personnel involved in post World War II conflicts and peacekeeping missions with links to Greta is being compiled to honour the town’s contribution on a memorial wall.

Full article by Briony Snedden available at Maitland Mercury, 08 Apr, 2011.

National Trust Heritage Awards

Congratulatons to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery and the Maitland City Library for National Trust recognition:
The Gallery has received a National Trust Heritage Award for Interpretation and Presentation, Corporate/Government, for the Maitland Jewish Cemetery Project.
Maitland City Library received a 2011 Heritage Awards Highly Commended for the Maitland Local Studies Strategy.