Japan has cherry-blossom season.

This sheet music for George Trevare’s 'Out of the Blue Gums' (1942) represents more than a song – it’s a snapshot of Australia finding its own voice during the Second World War.

This 1947 cinema newsreel item from

This silent home movie offers a rare glimpse into Deaf social life in NSW between the 1930s and 1950s.

Water skiing may have been born in the US in the 1920s, but it didn’t make a splash internationally until the 1940s.

Insert a reel, press the lever and explore! While stereoscopic tech dates back to the 18th century, it was the launch of the View-Master in 1939 that brought it to living rooms worldwide.

The words and music for the Australian folk song 'Poor Ned Kelly' were by Canadian-born yodeller Smilin’ Billy Blinkhorn, who made Australia his home from 1939 onwards.

Fitted with a four-lens turret, a 12-volt motor and Cooke Speed Panchro lenses, this landmark camera was donated to the NFSA by newsreel camera operator and cinematographer Ross Wood.

Small country-town theatres created a cinematic atmosphere for their patrons with lavish buildings, ornate décor and teams of uniformed ushers who carried lolly trays such as the one pictured.

The 'on air' sign is a crucial feature of recording studios and radio stations. When a live recording session is taking place, the sign is lit as a signal not to interrupt.