Research Centre > Planning a visit

Planning a Visit to the Research Centre

If you are planning to visit the Research Centre to carry out research, the following information will help you make the most of your visit:

What can you find at the Research Centre?

Among the types of printed and written records the Research Centre contains are:

Official records: records created by an official agency or person, including:

• unit war diaries
• squadron records
• Reports of Proceedings
• the papers of the official historians

private records consisting of:

• the personal records of individuals
• manuscript material
• privately donated papers
• letters and diaries
• and the records of certain organisations;

printed and special collections, including:

• books
• serials, newspapers
• maps, plans, charts
• aerial photographs
• military forms
• philatelic collections
• souvenirs, postcards
• popular sheet music
• Christmas cards
• leaflets
• newspaper clippings
• cigarette cards

There is also access to photographic and art images, film footage and sound recordings.

Before you come

1. Use local resources first
   • Visit your local library. Books listed in some of our reading lists may prove helpful.
   • Consult encyclopedias
   • Use the databases to identify documents, photographs and other items you may wish to consult.
2. Do preliminary research
   • Have a clear idea of what you want to find out.
   • Obtain personal service records of servicemen and women you wish to research.
3. Know OUR limitations
   • Our focus is Australia at war.
   • We do not hold personal service records.
   • Our large quantity and diversity of material requires time to access.
   • We are obliged to abide by restrictions imposed on official records by the Archives Act 1983.
   • Restrictions may have been placed on personal records by donors.
   • Some restrictions result from compliance with the Copyright Act.
   • Access to other Memorial collections (Art, Military Heraldry and Military Technology) is by arrangement.
4. Know YOUR limitations! - Remember, research takes time.
5. Contact the Research Centre
   • Please contact us with your research plans. We can advise and make preparations.
   • Check our opening hours/days.

At the Research Centre

• Bring all family/research records.
• Allow sufficient time. One day would be adequate for basic research only.

Who else can help?

• Holders of personal service and other records, such as National Archives of Australia and Central Army Records Office.
• We can provide you with a list of individuals who are available to undertake research on a commercial basis.