Capital exhibition to
mark city centenary

A new exhibition is being held at Parliament House, providing behind-the-scenes stories about the Commonwealth ceremonies on 12 March 1913 when Canberra officially came into being.
   The exhibition also marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of Parliament House on 9 May 1988.
   Minister for Sport and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, joined the ACT Acting Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, to praise the first major exhibition of the Centenary year, But Once in a History.
   Senator Lundy said the exhibition, curated by Advisor for Centenary of Canberra History and Heritage, Dr David Headon, was a testament to the co-operation between governments, institutions and the public at large that had enabled it.
Historic Canberra photos on show
   She also thanked the family of the original Lord and Lady Denman who supported the exhibition.
   “There is an extraordinary variety of items on display at this amazing exhibition, a number of them the direct result of the close relationship that has rapidly developed in recent months between the exhibition curator, Dr Headon, and the family of the Governor-General a century ago, Lord Denman,” Senator Lundy said.
   “The Denman family have provided a wealth of precious heirlooms on show for the first time ever, including the jewel-in-the-crown, the actual case that Lady Denman opened on the day that contained the city’s name.”
   Mr Barr said visitors to the exhibition would undoubtedly come away with a fresh understanding and appreciation of Canberra’s foundation story and those who created it.
   “The first significant national ceremonies for the capital city took place on 12 March 1913 when the Foundation Stones were laid, the city named and several visionary and prophetic speeches were delivered,” Mr Barr said.
   “All Australians can reflect with immense pride on the significance of their national capital’s early history of cutting-edge design leadership.”
   But Once in a History: Canberra’s Foundation Stones and Naming Ceremonies, 12 March 1913 is open and will run until 3 April in the Presiding Officers Exhibition Area at Parliament House.
Edition 344F, 18 January 2013
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