Stories from the stacks

The stories that make us

#TheStoriesThatMakeUs #StoriesFromTheStacks #ShortStacks #StateLibrarySA

Explore fascinating stories from the collections of the
State Library of South Australia

Painting the Port

Discover the story of the 1855 panorama of Port Adelaide by artist and fraudster Frank G Hankey.

Leading the Nation

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of South Australian gay law reform 1975-2025.

If Walls Could Talk

Capturing a glimpse of domestic history through the lens of artist Alexandra McOrist.

A lifetime of stitching

Discover embroidery samples of young women in 19th century Australia.

The Mortlock Chamber

Discover the history of South Australia's original Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery.

Rear Vision: The Holden Collection

Discover why General Motors-Holden’s remains deep in the country’s psyche.

Cornucopia: Gardens and Gardening in South Australia

Immerse yourself in South Australia’s gardening heritage, where gardens become living reflections of our past.

Lust for Lifestyle: Modern Adelaide Homes 1950-1965

Discover how post-WWI homeowners embraced architect-designed modern homes that expressed their personality and social status.

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Port Gawler land release: The scandal of 1839

Did the 1839 land release, sparking two court cases and troubling family descendants, turn out to be a hoax?

'Kookaburra sits on the telegraph wire...'

Discover how Australian children connect with the Overland Telegraph?

Heroes of the Skies: The Great Air Race of 1919

Discover the story of the Great Air race of 1919 and the crew, Sir Ross and Keith Smith, Wally Shiers and Jim Bennett.

Curator talks: Exploring the Smith Brothers archive

Learn about the items that were used by the Vickers Vimy crew and the legacy and inspiration left behind by the great air race.

Discover South Australian stories

There's more stories to read and discover at the State Library.

The State Library of South Australia acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the state’s first people and nations, and recognises Aboriginal people as traditional custodians and occupants of South Australian land and waters.

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