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Welcome to the July edition |
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This month we delve into the records of the sinking of the Montevideo Maru, celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, and announce that our web feature Faces of Australia has won a prestigious international award. July also sees Constitution Day on 9 July, marked by citizenship ceremonies around the country.
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| Mystery of Montevideo Maru |
 Much has been written about Australia's worst wartime loss, the sinking of the Montevideo Maru in the Pacific in 1942. The National Archives holds records listing those on board and information of deaths and passenger details.
These offer fascinating insights with details of next of kin, place of birth and occupation providing puzzle pieces for the historian or family history researcher.
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| Blast from the past |
 It's 40 years this month since the first historic moon landing. Digitised images of Honeysuckle Creek tracking station near Canberra and Parkes radio telescope in New South Wales, both of which played an important role during the moon landing, can be found on PhotoSearch. Key in 'moon' and '1969' to view some of these.
A recently digitised file indicates the excitement in Australia over a celebratory visit by the Apollo II crew: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin, later in 1969.
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| Archives site wins international award |
 Faces of Australia, an interactive website featuring 227 images of Australians at work and play, has been awarded 'Best in class' in the reference category of the prestigious Interactive Media Council awards.
Judged by world leaders in web design, this is the highest honour given in these awards. It represents the very best in planning, execution and overall professionalism.
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| Torn but message intact |
 As NAIDOC Week is celebrated this month, we highlight the three-metre-long Larrakia petition, currently on display in Memory of a Nation in Canberra.
Torn during a scuffle in an attempt to present it to Princess Margaret during her 1972 visit to Darwin, the petition was later posted to the Queen, with an apology for its poor condition.
Created at a time when land rights was becoming a major political issue, the petition bears one thousand signatures. Some people used thumb prints as a sign of their support.
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| Innovative website: more for teachers and students |
 Desperately seeking exciting, engaging and informative educational material on Australian history and culture? Vrroom, our innovative educational website has just been extended. Over 200 significant documents have been added, each supported by a valuable education statement addressing key curriculum areas.
This virtual reading room has lots to offer teachers and students of 20th century history including this memorable television moment by Countdown presenter Molly Meldrum, as well as civics and citizenship, from primary to secondary level.
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| 60 years of citizenship |
 This year is the 60th anniversary of the Nationality and Citizenship Act, while 9 July marks the day in 1900 when Queen Victoria signed her assent to the Constitution Act, marking the creation of the nation.
The National Archives has joined forces with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to highlight the importance of the Australian Constitution to all citizens, new and old. Simultaneous citizenship ceremonies will take place in every state and territory for the first time on Thursday 9 July to mark Constitution Day.
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| Fast facts: prime ministers |
 Robert Menzies started the 'Prime Minister’s 11’ cricket matches. He was nicknamed ‘Pig-iron Bob’ in 1939 after he resisted the waterside workers’ ban on exporting scrap-iron to Japan.
The wife of Joseph Lyons, Enid Lyons, was the first woman elected to the Australian Parliament. As a young woman, she was crowned ‘Queen of the Public Service’ in a Hobart carnival, with nine-year-old Errol Flynn as her pageboy. Find out more about Australia's 26 prime ministers.
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| Quirky quiz |
 Congratulations to last month's winners Don Limn, ACT, and Darren Carr, NSW, with the answer 'Ben Chifley'. They have received a copy of Women Transported: Life in Australia's Convict Female Factories.
The 10th, 17th and 20th correct entries received for this month's quirky quiz will each win a copy of Footprints: The Journey of Lucy and Percy Pepper.
A marionette was I, upside-down drawings I did try. From my pointed nose to my pixie toes, the children loved me, till I was 40.
Search here for a hint. Email us with your answer in the subject line and your postal address in the body of the email. View terms and conditions.
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| Tip of the month: search hints |
 A keyword search is a quick and easy way to search for records on a particular subject, person, place or event.
Learn some essential keyword search tips with this handy fact sheet.
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