Backstage Pass Opens the Doors at Queensland State Archives
Brisbane Living Heritage’s latest Backstage Pass event offered members and guests a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes at the Queensland State Archives — and the response was overwhelming.
The event sold out within just two days, with approximately 30 attendees joining the exclusive experience. The group included historians, researchers, heritage professionals and curious community members, all eager to gain deeper insight into the important work undertaken by the Archives team.
Led by several generous staff members across two tour groups, visitors first explored the current exhibition Printed and Bound, before viewing the striking Reconciliation Week art installation featuring a collection of powerful contemporary posters and artworks.
The experience then moved beyond the public spaces and into areas rarely seen by visitors. Guests were guided through the vast archive storage repositories, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the scale and significance of Queensland’s documentary heritage collections.
A selection of collection items had been specially brought out for viewing, including historic government volumes, early maps, and artist impressions imagining the future development of Brisbane. These tangible links to the past sparked lively discussion and fascination amongst attendees.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a visit to the conservation and restoration area, where two conservators shared insights into the complex challenges of preserving archival materials. From mould and insect damage to the impacts of dryness, humidity and ageing paper, attendees gained a new understanding of the meticulous work required to protect these collections for future generations.
The tour concluded in the digitisation studios, where the group met members of the digitisation team and viewed the impressive high-end scanning equipment used to preserve and increase public access to Queensland’s archival records.
Many participants chose to remain afterwards in the public reading room, taking advantage of the research facilities and records available onsite — a fitting conclusion to an afternoon dedicated to discovery, preservation and storytelling.
Brisbane Living Heritage extends sincere thanks to the entire Queensland State Archives team for their generosity, expertise and enthusiasm in delivering such an engaging and memorable experience.
The Backstage Pass series continues to connect audiences with the people, places and collections that preserve Queensland’s rich heritage — offering exclusive access to the stories and spaces usually hidden from public view.
