Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

Traces

Edition 30, 2025
Magazine

Traces magazine delves deep into Australia’s history, from ancient Indigenous heritage to colonial times,convicts, local history, antiques and artefacts, family genealogy and more!

Welcome to the 30th edition of Traces!

Traces

Heritage news

WALES HOUSE, Sydney • Wales House is one of the most prominent locations in Australia’s newspaper and journalism history, once home to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Shum’s magazines – shaping a nation • William Shum was the visionary founding editor of two major Australian magazines: The New Idea and Australian Home Beautiful. Dr Sue Walker, Shum’s granddaughter, explores his life and legacy, and how these two magazines helped shape modern Australia.

Churchill’s Australian critic • By virtue of his bulldog nature, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was able to tackle Hitler’s war machine head on; but that same characteristic put him at odds with leaders within his own beloved British Empire. One of his most persistent critics was former Australian Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce.

Never miss out with a Traces subscription

Japan’s maritime story in postcards • In the middle of Japan’s sakura (cherry blossom) season, it seems fitting to explore the Australian National Maritime Museum’s collection of Japanese maritime postcards. Produced for the Nippon Yusen Kaisha from the early 1900s, the collection includes designs by prominent Japanese artists of the period.

Who murdered Mary Murphy? • Phillip Keith Johnson investigates the mysterious 1879 cold-case murder of young Mary Murphy, whose husband, James Murphy, was the prime suspect.

1921 Census reveals snapshot of life • The historic release of the 1921 Census of England and Wales provides a rare opportunity to explore the lives of British ancestors who lived during the transformative years after World War I. The 1921 s rs Census offers insights into a world deeply affected by war, social change and migration, providing Australians with a unique tool to trace their family history.

Bessie’s way: a life story in two parts

MOTORBIKES, MUMMIES and MANATEES • The creative life of Professor Archibald Watson

Skywriting • Six years after its debut in the United States, skywriting appeared in Australian skies – ‘the biggest advertising board in the world’.

Commonsense cookery • The Commonsense Cookery Book, first published in 1914, quickly became a household classic. Eden Cox explores the 1937 edition and tests one of its recipes.

Vanishing features of the heritage home • From sleep-outs to stained glass, heritage features are slowly vanishing from Australia’s residential landscape.

RETAINING AND PROTECTING HERITAGE FEATURES

Do you have a story to share?

Formats

  • OverDrive Magazine

Languages

  • English