Memorial Box
Box 02 - For service to others
The Red Cross Society has been serving the Australian community since
1914, when it was formed in response to the outbreak of the First World
War. This Memorial Box traces the history of the Australian Red Cross
as well as the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The box examines the special work carried out by the Australian Red Cross Society in times of conflict, particularly the work of its nurses, the missing persons bureau and the provision of comforts to soldiers and prisoners. There is discussion of the fundraising techniques used by the Society and how it is able to harness the support of the wider community.
This box also outlines the principles underlying this humanitarian organization, and the impact of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on humanitarian law.
What’s in the box?
Here are some examples of the type of objects you will find in this Memorial Box.
Winter uniform shoulder cape, Red Cross fundraising button,
Red Cross Society recruitment poster
Activities
Using the objects
- Interpret each object by discussing its features:
- What is it?
- What was its purpose?
- Where was it made?
- Are there any markings to give us clues?
- How old is it?
- Is it still used today?
- Try on the items of uniform and encourage students to go back to the situation and time the uniforms represent.
- Test observation skills by asking a student to choose an object and to describe it without actually stating what it is, and have others select the object based on that description.
- Observe the insignia on the buttons and badges and take a pencil rubbing (use a soft pencil).
Using the official documents
- Interpreting the official documents by considering:
- What is it about?
- Who wrote it?
- Why was it written?
- When and where was it written?
- Is it reliable?
- How is it useful to historians?
Using the photos
- Interpret photos by considering:
- Where was the photo taken?
- When?
- Who is the photo of?
- How can you tell?
- What is it showing?
- What are the conditions like?
- Why was it taken?
- Make up a story based on a photo and act it out.
- Photocopy the photos and using balloons above the heads of people write in what they are thinking or saying.
- Look for links between photographs and other objects or stories within the Memorial Box.
- Discuss the usefulness of photographs as historical evidence.
Other Activities
- Ask students to put themselves in the position of a character they have learned about through material in the box and, as that person, to write a letter to a loved one from whom they are separated, describing their situation. See primary (70Kb PDF file) or secondary (70Kb PDF file) activity sheet.
- Encourage students to ask their parents, grandparents and family friends to show any memorabilia and to share stories about their experience of Australia in conflict.
Book a box
While use of a box in your classroom, libary or community group is free, borrowers may be asked to pay a charge for freight and handling.
Make a booking with your local agent.
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