Writing object stories

Personal accounts of migration and settlement in Australia are an important part of Australia's history, and of regional communities and family histories. They are treasured memories to hand on from one generation to the next, and they add the voice of real experience to the texture of larger national histories. As Australia's post war migrants age, it is vital that their experience of migration and settlement is recorded for their families and for historians in the future.

There are many ways of recording migration stories. They can be documented in many formats, on paper, film, tape, and through photos, sketches and art works. In addition, stories around objects and photos are a powerful way to reveal sometimes forgotten aspects of migration heritage. Writing down the stories and memories of photos and migration heritage objects is often a good way to start documenting your family's migration story, and handing it on to the next generation.

Many different kinds of objects help to tell the personal stories of migration and settlement. They may be precious items carried from overseas, such as family heirlooms, tools of trade or domestic objects. They can be simple things such as suitcases that evoke memories of journeys, and help to tell a story about the process of migration and settlement.

Migration heritage objects may also be items that have been made or purchased in Australia, such as things that keep cultural traditions and practices alive, items marking important phases in establishing a new life and home, or items associated with life in migrant hostels.

In museums, most objects have potential to tell their story and telling the story of objects is what museums and collections are all about. A good way to write object stories is to talk to you local museum, historical society or local library. They will have trained staff to help you write your object stories. A list of questions is a good start.

Start with these samples:

•  Did you have things you brought to Australia as a migrant? Why did you bring them to Australia? What was your journey?

•  How or why has the object been kept? How has it been passed to other owners? Who used the object?

•  Why is it important to you or your family or your community? What meanings does it have for you or your community? What feelings or ideas are evoked by the object? If possible, ask family and community members for their recollections.

•  Where was it used? What space, room, building or locality was it used in?

•  What was the function or purpose of the object, or what work did it do?

•  Why was it needed? Why was it useful or important?

•  How was the object used? What steps are involved in using the object? What other tools, objects or equipment was it used with? What skills were needed to use the object?

•  How long was it in use? When did it stop being used and why?

•  What is important or distinctive about the design of the object? Has it been adapted, altered or mended?

•  Does the object relate to an important aspect your family or community's history, if so how?

Find out more about movable heritage