Arabic version: الاحتفال بقرن من التفاني في الأرشفة في أستراليا الغربية

Margaret Medcalf’s remarkable contributions to the preservation of Western Australia’s historical records were celebrated during her 100th birthday festivities at the State Library of Western Australia. Medcalf, who joined the state library’s archives branch in 1955, played a crucial role in safeguarding vital documents that hold significant value for the community.

According to ABC News, Medcalf’s journey into the world of record-keeping began at the Australian embassy in The Hague in the early 1950s. There, she witnessed the Dutch East Indies gaining independence, fueling her passion for archiving. Upon returning to Perth, she joined the state archives (now known as the State Records Office), where she worked diligently to curate records from various government departments, ensuring that important documents were preserved instead of discarded.

Throughout her career, Medcalf traveled extensively, seeking out records from government offices, families, and businesses. Her dedication to archiving included efforts to save Aboriginal welfare records that the state government considered unimportant. Medcalf insisted on microfilming these documents before any destruction, a decision that would later prove invaluable for Aboriginal communities seeking to reconnect with their history.

Even after her retirement in 1989, Medcalf maintained strong ties with the State Records Office and the library, continuing to engage with the community and the ongoing work of preserving history. Current staff members acknowledge that her contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of archiving.

To honor her centenary, friends and former colleagues gathered to celebrate Medcalf’s legacy, reflecting on her mentorship and support for many in the field. Her unwavering commitment to preserving Western Australia’s history is a testament to her life’s work and passion for archiving.