Where the paupers went to die…
Hospital records are like the holy grail of archives. Because medical histories are so personal, they are carefully controlled. In the busy world of a hospital, not every slip of paper could be kept, particularly before computers. By the time 19th and early 20th century records reached the archives, many volumes had gone missing or been destroyed, and only intriguing clues have survived.
Some of the surviving records from the General Hospital in Hobart are the hospital’s registers of deaths (HSD145, 1864-1884) and orders for coffins ‘required for pauper interments’ (HSD146, 1864-1876). These records have now been digitised and added to the Tasmanian Names Index, under the record type ‘deaths’.
Continue reading “Where the paupers went to die…”Jack the Leecher
John Turner was a sprightly 21 year old baker when he was transported for stealing a watch, although he was missing a leg. It was the right, from below the knee.
Sometimes we lose track of a convict after they leave the convict system – even if they stay there, committing misdeeds, affronts and offences until long after their original sentence expired. Occasionally they turn up in unexpected places…
Continue reading “Jack the Leecher”Paltry Poultry at the ‘Port: Immigration records in the Tasmanian Names Index
You can now find out more personal details about immigrants to Tasmania in the early 20th century, and the Tasmanian residents who nominated them.
What follows is a tale of disappointment, confusion indignation and despair.
Continue reading “Paltry Poultry at the ‘Port: Immigration records in the Tasmanian Names Index”Begging for bigamy
In November of 1878, two women from Waratah in the North West of Tasmania began a quest to marry one man. They were happy to share him between them, as long as they could do it with the blessing of a church.
Continue reading “Begging for bigamy”Daisy Picken in the weeds: Prisoner records in the Tasmanian Names Index
‘Daisy Picken’. It sounded to me like a circus stage name, and conjured up images of an energetic teenage girl with pigtails, like a long-lost cousin of Pippi Longstocking.
We have recently added volumes of prisoner files to the Tasmanian Names Index, and many of them have photographs. Some of them are quite comical – old lags suppressing smirks, stern mouths covered by generous moustaches, looks of surprise…or malice. So, when I looked up Daisy Picken, I was almost surprised to see despair and desperation, and the glistening of tears.
Continue reading “Daisy Picken in the weeds: Prisoner records in the Tasmanian Names Index”Tasmanian Film Corporation: If it moves, we’ll shoot it
It operated for just five years, but the Tasmanian Film Corporation created many of Tasmania’s most iconic films.
40 years on, we remember this agency and their work.
Memoirs of James Hardy Vaux
Firsts are always exciting. We are justifiably proud that we own a copy of Henry Savery’s Hermit of Van Dieman’s Land – the first novel published in Australia.
Recently we found that we also hold two other significant firsts – both in the same volume. First published in 1819, our first edition copy of the Memoirs of J H Vaux is not just a great read. It is officially Australia’s first autobiography and Australia’s first dictionary.
Continue reading “Memoirs of James Hardy Vaux”Explore Tasmania’s wilderness
Browse photographs, letters and diaries from some wilderness pioneers.
- Search the archives
- View historic photos in the Flickr image gallery
- Watch early bushwalking footage ‘Tasmania the Wonderland’ (Smithies, 1933)
- Watch ‘Franklin River Journey’ (1980)
The Fire of ’67
It was one of Australia’s worst disasters. In just a few hours on Tuesday afternoon, 7 February, 1967, 64 people lost their lives and 900 were injured. Around 1,400 buildings were destroyed – homes, factories, schools, churches, halls. People lost family, their livelihoods, homes, friends, pets and possessions. Thousands of animals were killed.
50 years on, we invite you to reflect on the chaos of the disaster, its aftermath, and the beginnings of recovery, through the records of the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office.
Continue reading “The Fire of ’67”Tasmanians in World War 1: Ernest Roy Pretyman
Ernest Roy Pretyman might have lived out his whole life in Tasmania if it were not for the war. Instead this accountant travelled to France, fought and was wounded, and attained the rank of Sergeant before returning home to Hobart. His was an active mind, and in pursuit of his interests and hobbies he left a significant legacy to Tasmania’s heritage.
Continue reading “Tasmanians in World War 1: Ernest Roy Pretyman”