From across the sea - the museum's migration program explores our cultural heritage.

The arrival of waves of more than ten million migrants by boat and plane is one of the major themes in Australia’s history, and a foundation narrative of modern Australia, infusing our country with more than 200 different cultural and linguistic traditions. Was your family among them? 

Nearly half of all Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas. Migrants have contributed enormously to the making of modern Australia - we believe museums sharing their stories can increase our understanding of the unique challenges many migrants face.

Image: Group of migrants on the deck of MV Castel Verde, Italy, 1950–1957. ANMM Collection Gift from Barbara Alysen. Reproduced courtesy International Organisation for Migration. ANMM Collection ANMS02014[024]

Explore their stories:

Migration Blogs

Discover our shared histories through these compelling migration stories.

24 Feb 2014

Apologies, anniversaries and hidden histories

23 Jan 2014

Waves of migration returns on Australia Day

09 Aug 2013

Suitcases, boats and bridges

27 Jun 2013

History and knitting

15 Jun 2013

Stories of growing up in Australia

31 May 2013

Forgotten stories of Indian servants heard 200 years on

28 May 2013

Film exploring Indian Australian identity – a must see!

28 Feb 2013

A chance encounter in Albury

22 Feb 2013

The Molong Historical Museum

14 Jun 2012

Restoring hope and a fishing boat called ‘Freedom’

13 Jun 2012

Through the eyes of a 13 year old

08 May 2012

Object of the Week: The Importance of Doors, the Lederer collection