Capital history 5
Capital history here has been unable lately to give our readers the full menu of history we would like. So going forward we have decided to focus on Capital history 5. Think of it as a tasty plate of appetizers. Bon appétit!
In colonial times, the Canberra region was a haunt for several bushrangers. In this HistoryExtra podcast episode Australian bushrangers: folk heroes or common criminals? historian Meg Foster unpicks the bushranger myth from reality in the stories of criminals who became folk heroes and national icons. She looks at Ned Kelly, and shares stories of lesser-known bushrangers.
On 1 August the Australian National University (ANU) celebrated its 75th Anniversary. Stories from ANU's past are being shared though a living history project led by historian Daniel Oakman from the Research School of Social Science. The Spirit of Inquiry site can be accessed here.
Looking forward to seeing the Canberra Museum & Gallery’s new exhibition about Ruth Lane-Poole who was hired in 1926 to design the interiors of The Lodge and Government House. Ruth Lane-Poole: A Woman of Influence is on until 23 October 2021. Also this Canberra Time’s article provides an overview of her life Chic designer Ruth Lane Poole brought style and influence to Canberra in its earliest days.
Interesting article: Who were Australia's best prime ministers? We asked the experts (theconversation.com). The top-rated leader is Australia’s second world war Prime Minister and co-architect of its post-war reconstruction regime, John Curtin. Want to read more about John Curtin? Capital history here’s project Canberra 100 — Capital history here includes No. 3 Bronze sculpture of Prime Minister John Curtin, Canberra 100 and will include its mate the sculpture of Prime Minister Ben Chifley.
Once again, we have been moved and inspired by the Olympic Games. It reminds me of Australia’s most iconic sporting moment in Olympic history. Peter Norman (silver medallist, 1968 Mexico City Games) standing with Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos as they raised black-gloved fists in the Black Power salute to protest racial inequality. You can read about this here including Peter Norman’s words:
I believe that every man is born equal and should be treated that way.
Acknowledgement: The image above is titled KELLY IN THE DOCK. - A SKETCH FROM LIFE. It was created in 1880 by an anonymous artist and comes from the State Library Victoria. Full details here. As mentioned Meg Foster examines Ned Kelly’s iconic status in the podcast Australian bushrangers: folk heroes or common criminals?
Please share. Let’s get the past and present talking.
