Grafton Library provides an extensive collection of resources dedicated to the cultural history of Grafton and surrounding areas.
Local Studies Collection
Oral History
Over 150 recorded interviews from many well-known members of the Grafton community can be accessed in the library using our oral history Sound Dome. As part of a special project organised by Grafton’s U3A members, these interviews bring to life the personal memories and experiences on growing up and living on the Clarence.
Reflections on the Clarence – Oral history interviews
Mackey Archives Collection
Clarence Regional Library now hosts one of the largest collections of north coast history resources after the generous donation from local Historian and genealogist Nola Mackey. It is available for members of the community interested in exploring local history and heritage
The Mackey Archives is a collection of books, maps, photos, and ephemera which has been collected over the last 50 years – it is a treasure trove of Northern NSW history.
The Mackey Archive Reading Room is located in the Grafton Library and is open Monday to Thursday 10:00 – 3:00 (by appointment only)
To visit please book at least one working day in advance by calling (02) 6641 0111.
Newspaper records
The library provides access to a number of past local papers on microfilm. Some of these are now available to read online through the National Library ‘Trove‘ website
- The Advocate and advertiser for the Clarence, Richmond and New England districts – view on Trove 1859 – 1889
- The Big River express
- The Clarence and Richmond examiner – view on Trove 1859, 1889 – 1915
- Clarion
- The Daily Examiner – view on Trove 1915 – 1954
- The Grafton argus and Clarence River general advertiser
- The Grafton daily argus
- The Grip
Catalogue Subject Links
Local Heritage Links
- Clarence Valley Cemeteries Register
- Grafton Heritage Trail map (My Clarence Valley)
- Clarence River Historical Society
- Alumy Creek Public School Museum
- NSW Heritage search database (select Local Government Area: Clarence Valley)
Web Links
Wikipedia articles
- History of Richard Craig – an escaped convict who discovered the Clarence Valley district in 183.
- Sir Earle Page – 11th Prime Minister of Australia.
- Clarence River
- Grafton Bridge – is a bascule bridge and opened in 1932.
- Grafton, NSW – in 1851, Governor FitzRoy officially named the town “Grafton”, after his grandfather, the Duke of Grafton, Grafton was proclaimed a city in 1885.
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