The Australian National Maritime Museum is proud to be sponsoring a Special Category for the 2024 National History Challenge - Migration
Find out more about the National History Challenge
Migration by sea has shaped our nation.
As part of our special category about migration, the museum would like students to research the story of a person, or group of people, who made a journey across the sea to call Australia their home. Entries may explore the push-pull factors that resulted in migration, the journey itself, and/or life before and after arrival in Australia. You can cover any period of history, but we encourage a focus on personal stories and the use of primary sources if possible.
All entries in this special category must show how they have used, or been inspired, by resources from the Australian National Maritime Museum. This could include:
- Content on the Museum’s website
- The Museum’s national collection of objects
- Exhibitions, monuments or vessels at the Museum.
Online Resources
We Are Many- Stories of Australia’s Migrants
This 300-page e-book brings together 71 migration stories previously published in the Australian National Maritime Museum’s ‘Signals’ Magazine. We introduce migrants from various times and countries of origin whose stories speak to universal themes such as love, adventure, family, safety and striving for a better life. We expose stories of extraordinary courage, resilience, success and celebration, deep despair and injustice.
Creating a Nation: Modern Immigration Stories
Created by ABC Education in collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum, this series tells the story of 6 people who crossed the seas to settle in Australia. The interviews feature people who travelled from different places, at different times and for different reasons, however they all shared the same hopes for freedom, opportunity and a better future for their families.
Migration Stories Website
Migration Stories is the museum's new digital experience dedicated to sharing personal stories about how people are shaped by migration.
Visit the Museum
As part of the Challenge, in 2024 we plan to offer guided tours of the national collection, galleries and vessels with a focus on migration to Australia. Dates to be announced in early 2024.
