Keeping a formal documentary history of the region was historically the domain of individual local State government agencies and the Church. The State Library of NSW was the only agency actively accepting donations from New Englanders. The State Library utilised the potential of Armidale as a repository by relocated its archival treasures from Sydney to Armidale in 1942 to protect the records from Japanese attack. This secret wartime activity used the Armidale Teachers College basement. After WWII the New England University College began seeking historical materials for research and teaching. Prior to the introduction of the State Archives Act of 1960, this saw many loans between government agencies and the University. The State Archives Act allowed the University to formally establish an archival repository charged with collecting history from the public and holding NSW Government archives in Armidale for public access.

Archives are defined as 'the non-current records of an organisation, institution or individual which are selected for preservation because of their continuing value.' In the beginning: Early European settlers to the New England region certainly created and retained records that still provide much insight into the texture of their lives. The churches and denominations in particular had transplanted a long tradition of ecclesiastical record keeping into their new parishes in Australia. Commercial activities, particularly those of the pastoral industry, had created large 'business' archives. Government agencies, community organisations and schools all created, collected and, in many cases, still retain, extensive local archives. Individuals such as early schoolteacher and diarist, William Gardner (1802-1860), also bequeathed extensive descriptions of the mid nineteenth century New England to subsequent generations.

Historical family photos can often trigger more questions than answers. Bill Oates, from the University of New England talks us through an innovative new process of using shadows to date a photo. ... Having recently looked through the collections of the city of Aosta in northern Italy, I was struck by the volume of superb archaeology, the documented history and the lithographs of the images of the city and its monuments. Later with reflection, I realised that their collection really lacked early photographs. With this in mind, I started looking at any photos on display depicting local history. There were very few in either the tourist literature or displayed in exhibitions; most were sourced from other collections held outside the region. The very wealth of images available in regional Australia made me think again about just how well we have captured the images of our past. Mobile, wealthy and technologically innovative Australians created many photographs and were able to avoid all the domestic destruction of the world wars that robbed Europe of much of its material. What we often don't have, though, is the context in which the photo was taken - who, where and when - which is enough to drive any genealogist to distraction!