The new location for the ACT Heritage Library and ArchivesACT has been officially opened today, providing a bigger space for the ACT's unique collection of irreplaceable items showcasing Canberra's diverse history.
"History is an important part of our livelihood and it's great to have the move from Woden to the bigger Fyshwick location now completed," Minister for City Services, Chris Steel said.
"Previously the ACT Heritage Library was based within the Woden Library. This move will free up the entire second floor of the library which will now be open for community use, providing more spaces for people on the southside to meet.
"The ACT Heritage Library collects and stores a variety of items that include newspapers, photographs, maps, books and diaries as well as digital material and microfilm. ArchivesACT inside the Library also provide access to ACT Government records that are more than 20 years old. The joint reading room helps make it an easy one-stop shop for anyone researching Canberra and the ACT."
To celebrate the move to the new location, the ACT Heritage Library will also open its new exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
"The bigger space at the ACT Heritage Library has provided an opportunity to host regular displays and exhibitions so Canberrans can come in and learn more about our shared history," Minister Steel said.
"The first exhibition is an out-of-this-world experience with Track me to the Moon – Canberra and Apollo 11, an exhibition of items from the collection, personal memorabilia and sound and video files.
"Canberra played a big role in the success of the Apollo 11 moon landing and this exhibition details how we provided television coverage from Honeysuckle Creek. This exhibition shares the stories of the people who enabled us all to witness those first steps."
