Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are kindly advised that this website includes images, sounds and names of people who have passed.
All users should be aware that some topics or historical content may be culturally sensitive, offensive or distressing, and that some images may contain nudity or are of people not yet identified. Certain words, terms or descriptions may reflect the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written, but are now considered inappropriate in today's context.
 |
Log in as a Library member (NSW residents only) or visit the Library |
 |
Visit the Library |
 |
Freely accessible eresource |
Personal papers is a broad term used to describe documents collected by an individual over the course of their life and career. The Library’s manuscripts collection includes one of Australia’s most significant repositories of personal papers, taking in collections of authors, artists, political figures, and of course, sportspeople.
The contents within collections of personal papers reflect the individuality of the personalities compiling them, and as such defy easy classification. Collections of personal papers held by the Library may include any or all of the following types of material:
Below is a list of personal papers held by the Library, listed by sport:
Athletics
Baseball
Basketball
Boxing
Cricket
Fencing
Hockey
Horse racing
Motor sports
Olympics
Rowing
Rugby League
Rugby Union
Skiing
Soccer
Surf lifesaving
Swimming
Tennis
Annette Kellerman as a mermaid, ca.1915-1925
Born in Sydney in 1886, Annette Kellerman was a champion swimmer who later turned her talents to the stage and screen. She is a member of the Sport Australia and International Swimming Halls of Fame, as well as being honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, in Marrickville, NSW, is named in her honour. A filmed version of her life story, Million Dollar Mermaid, was released in 1952, starring Esther Williams as Kellerman.
The State Library of NSW acquired the papers of Annette Kellerman in 1996. It is a diverse collection capturing her dual identities as competitive swimmer and movie star. Highlights found among the collection’s 11 boxes include:
The Annette Kellerman Papers have not been digitised but are available to view in the Special Collections area of the Mitchell Library Reading Room.
For access, complete an Ask A Librarian request form. For further enquiries, Ask a Librarian.
In 1868, Charles Lawrence led a team of Aboriginal cricketers to England to play a series of exhibition matches. This team is celebrated as the first Australian international touring team in any sport. Learn more about this story on the State Library of NSW website.
