Queensland State Archives

Earlier this year we heard from expert bookbinder Darryn Schneider for our Printed & Bound QSA Talk: The art and craft of historic bookbinding! 📜📓

Darryn shareds his favourite records from our collection, sharing history, informative facts and explaineds how these incredible records were created.

🎥 Missed the event? Watch the full recording here: https://bit.ly/4gdfwVj

Discover the story behind QSA! 🕰️ 📖

Here at QSA, we’re passionate about preserving and sharing Queensland’s rich history - from pivotal political moments and family legacies to First Nations stories and remarkable discoveries.

But what about our own story? In our latest blog post, we turn the pages back to explore the fascinating journey of QSA itself.

Drawing on Fiona Gaske’s ‘Queensland State Archives: The First Thirty Years’, we revisit our humble beginnings and trace our transformation into the modern, state-of-the-art facility we are today.

📚 Read the full story and uncover the history of QSA on our blog: https://bit.ly/4gCncT4

Check out the fancy dress from 1954! 🤩

This photo and features several children in various fancy-dress outfits and costumes at Bullamon Plains, an area now known as Thallon, southwest of Toowoomba.

We spot a Queen, maybe a mini-Charlie Chaplin, a Little Bo-Peep, a doll in a box, and potentially Glinda from The Wizard of Oz! Who do you see, or do you know any more information about this gem of an image? We’d love you to share in the comments! 📸🔍

It’s Ekka Week! 🎠 🎡

In 2026, Queensland celebrates a huge milestone – 150 years of the Royal Queensland Show, fondly known as the Ekka! Since 1876, the Ekka has been a beloved tradition, bringing Queenslanders together to enjoy strawberry sundaes, animal displays, showbags, woodchop competitions, sideshow alley, and spectacular nightly fireworks. 🎆

As Queensland’s largest annual event, the Ekka welcomes around 400,000 visitors each August, with 21,000 competition entries, 10,000 animals, and endless family fun. It’s a celebration of our agricultural roots and community spirit that’s stood the test of time.

We hope everyone attending this year has an amazing time – stay safe and enjoy the festivities! 🎉

Keen to take a trip down memory lane? Check out our Flickr album for some nostalgic Ekka throwbacks: https://bit.ly/3AvpKNw

to Queensland’s Centenary Celebrations in 1959! 🎉

In July 1959, Queensland marked 100 years since separating from New South Wales with month-long celebrations, culminating in a Grand Centenary Parade in September and a royal visit!

Queensland was alive with parades, events, and the arrival of HRH Princess Alexandra of Kent. 👑 During her visit, she officially opened the Princess Alexandra Hospital - now fondly referred to as the PA.

Another standout moment? The migrant ship Orion at Newstead Wharf, where guests and new arrivals gathered to celebrate Queensland’s milestone. The Orion played a key role in post-war migration, helping many start new lives in the Sunshine State.

Want to relive more of this iconic decade? Check out our Flickr album featuring photos from 1950s Queensland: https://bit.ly/3ROID9o

in 1868 Queensland’s Parliament met for the first time in its new home on George Street, Brisbane! 🏛️

Before moving to this iconic landmark, Parliament first met in 1860 in a much humbler setting, a converted military and convict barracks on Queen Street. By 1863, the need for a more dignified home was clear, and the George Street site was chosen near the then Government House.

The foundation stone for Parliament House was laid on 14 July 1865, and three years later, this stately building opened its doors to Queensland’s leaders. Today, it remains one of the State’s most significant heritage landmarks.

Join us for our next QSA Talk: Devils, Designs, Details - The Queensland Government Printing Office! 🖨️

As part of our Printed & Bound exhibition, curator and historian Matthew Wengert will take you on a fascinating journey through the history of the Queensland Government Printing Office, which served the State for over 150 years.

Explore the Devils 👤, Designs 🎨, and Details 🔍 of this iconic institution.

🗓️ Date: Thursday 3 September 2026
🕒 Time: 11am-12pm
📍 Location: QSA, 435 Compton Road, Runcorn
🔗 Tickets: https://bit.ly/4x4QT3V

🎥 Can’t make it in person? The talk will be available on our YouTube channel after the event.

🚂 in 1865, Queensland’s first railway line opened, linking Ipswich to Grandchester and marking a major milestone in Queensland history!

Grandchester, originally known as Bigge’s Camp, served as the western terminus for Queensland Rail’s main line to Toowoomba. This historic railway line was a game-changer for transporting goods and people across the region.

Steam locomotives powered Queensland’s early railways, and some of the first, “Faugh a Ballagh” (Gaelic for ‘clear the way’) and “Lady Bowen” operated on these inaugural lines.

📸 Explore historic photos of Queensland’s railways in our Flickr albums https://bit.ly/4ddjBIU

For over 150 years the Queensland Government Printing Office produced some of the most stunning and creative designs in the state’s history. 🎨

In our latest blogs, written by Matthew Wengert & Louise Martin-Chew, we explore the artistic achievements of the Printing Office as part of our Printed and Bound exhibition.

Highlights include:
🖼️ Posters for the Government Intelligence & Tourist Bureau.
📜 Ornate invitations and menus for royal visits and official events.
📚 Beautiful illustrations, maps, and charts for government publications.

The Printing Office designs weren’t just functional - they were a reflection of Queensland’s evolving artistic and cultural identity.

📖 Read the blogs to discover the creative peaks of the Printing Office's work: https://bit.ly/4yUuJmX

Not sure what to do this weekend?

Why not climb your way into the archives and uncover untold stories, hidden histories, and incredible adventures waiting to be discovered! 🧗‍♀️📜🔍

Whether you’re scaling the peaks of Queensland’s past or just starting out on your research journey, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guides and tips to help you navigate the archives like a pro:
👉 https://bit.ly/4fHLqKB

So grab your gear (or just your curiosity) and start your archival adventure today! Who knows what treasures you’ll uncover? 🗺️