Travelling Treasures

The State Library of Victoria's collection experts take to the road in 2008 with a selection of the Library's treasures. The Travelling Treasures program offers audiences the chance to see some of our most precious collection items and ask questions about them.

What's on tour?

This selection of treasures from the Library focuses on Australian stories of great personal achievement, hardship and survival.

• John Helder Wedge letter, 1835
  - Wedge's 1835 letter to the Colonial Secretary of Van Diemen's Land, acknowledging the pardon of convict William Buckley
  
• Burke and Wills expedition items, 1861
  - One of Robert Burke's last notes, written just before his death in 1861
  - the Colt revolver found in Burke’s hand upon his death, believed to be owned by William Wills
  
• May Gibbs rare editions, 1912-21
  - three rare editions of May Gibbs’ earliest children’s books: Gum Blossom Babies; Little Obelia and further adventures of Ragged Blossom, Snugglepot & Cuddlepie; and the little-known picture-book About Us
  
• Margaret Ingham's wartime survival, 1942 and 1943
  - Margaret Ingham's handwritten record of fellow passengers who died in the lifeboat they shared after their ship the SS City of Cairo was torpedoed in 1942
  - a photograph of Margaret receiving the British Empire Medal in 1943 for her courage at sea during the ordeal

When and where?

The treasures will be displayed at free evening talks given by the State Library's heritage collection experts at public libraries. During the day, Library education staff will present the treasures to Grade 5-6 students at local primary schools.

• March - Portland, Warrnambool and Geelong
• May - Bairnsdale, Sale and Warragul
• August - Mildura, Ouyen, Swan Hill
• November - Ballarat, Stawell, Aararat.

See the Travelling Treasures Program for more information about times, venues and bookings.