Annabella Boswell’s Papers from 1826 to 1901, held in the Port Macquarie Historical Society’s collection, have been added to the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register.

The inscription ceremony was held at the State Library of New South Wales on February 28. 

“The original papers, documents and artworks created by and associated with Annabella Alexandrina Campbell Boswell (nee Innes), [1826-1914], diarist, letter writer and artist are unique and provide a first hand, detailed and formative description of the lifestyle, people and events of Port Macquarie during the 1830s and 1840s in particular, as seen through the eyes of a young and privileged woman," Clive Smith, Port Macquarie Historical Society president said. 

“As an archive, the journals and letters have provided valuable material for research and interpretation of Port Macquarie’s free settlement period.

"The journals are also a rare surviving collection of a young woman’s writings from regional Australia. Annabella wrote about the environment, details of domestic life at her uncle’s colonial estate, her relationships with family and friends, schooling, hobbies, social life and her cultural pursuits including drawing, painting, crafts, music and dancing.

"Speaking as an archivist, it is very pleasing to see this significant collection formally recognised.

“Inscription to the Australian Memory of the World Register brings Annabella’s collection to wider prominence and recognises the significance of her papers in the context of the history of Australia and the world. It will also assist us to care for and protect the collection into the future and for the benefit of future generations."

Annabella Boswell’s papers were purchased by the Port Macquarie Historical Society in 1972.

Annabella Boswell’s journals are on regular exhibition at the Port Macquarie Museum. A full listing of the collection can be viewed on the museum’s catalogue.

An exhibition of Annabella’s wider collection is planned for later in the year. 

The UNESCO Australian Memory of the World (AMOW) Program honours documentary heritage of significance for Australia and the world, and advocates for its preservation.