The History of Australia in 100 Objects

The History of Australia in 100 Objects is a fresh, accessible take on Australian history. It explores both well- and little-known stories through the objects of the time and the people who made and owned them.

Some stories are of pivotal moments in Australia’s past, including the Rum Rebellion, World War I, Federation and the birth of the Native Title Act. And yet sometimes these big events are most powerfully told through a small object belonging to someone long forgotten: a gold locket, a boomerang, a cup and saucer from the Country Women’s Association.

Former Rolling Stone editor Toby Creswell takes each object as a starting point to tell the stories that make up our national history, exploring and celebrating key technological, social, political, artistic and sporting moments. From Ned Kelly’s armour to Henry Lawson’s pen and Julia Gillard’s glasses, Creswell’s objects are sometimes iconic, sometimes unexpected and quirky; but the mix creates a compelling, multi-layered story.