What is a finding aid?

A guide to accessing information in the Museums Victoria Archives. 

Finding aids describe an archival collection, including a listing or index of holdings. They include a brief history, to help navigate the types of information and context of the archival collection and identify material relevant to the researcher.

Introduction to HL White Ornithology Collection

Amateur ornithologist and oologist Henry Luke White (1860-1927) collected the eggs of most of Australia's native bird species. Following his death in May 1927, White's egg collection, including the magnificent cabinet, was bequeathed to the National Museum of Victoria, and arrived in Melbourne during August of that year. White had previously donated his collection of 8,850 bird study-skins and bird nests to the Museum in 1917.

White acquired specimens from other collectors, including a large and unique collection of Australian bird eggs from the naturalist Sidney William Jackson (1873-1946) which he purchased in 1907. White employed Jackson to curate the collection and to continue collecting in the field.

White commissioned a custom-built Queensland maple cabinet for the purpose of storing the collection, which it continues to be stored in to this day. Along with HL White's Oological Collection and beautifully designed and constructed cabinet are the extensive records documenting the collection, including three collection catalogues and a card catalogue.

The HL White egg collection is significant for its coverage of species, displays of egg variation and for the data on breeding biology associated with each clutch of eggs, including those of the extinct Paradise Parrot, collected in 1896 from Queensland.

Source: Museums Victoria Collections, Cabinet - HL White Oological Collection, Queensland Maple


Summary of HL White Ornithology Collection (1893-2000) Finding Aid

Extent

13 files
3 volumes
1 card catalogue

Repository

Museums Victoria Archives Melbourne Museum

Provenance

Records created by HL White and Sidney William Jackson, National Museum of Victoria and Museums Victoria staff (1893-2000).

Holdings

To view list of holdings, see 'Associated Downloads' section.

Major Holdings

  • Extensive collection documentation including volume register and card catalogue
  • Extensive inwards correspondance files including terms of bequest
  • Collection management and procedures for managing the collection
  • Publications related to collection

Related Collections/Links

Ornithology State collection

HL White Reading List

Cabinet - HL White Oological Collection, Queensland Maple

Access

Access to the Museums Victoria Archives is by appointment an Ask Us access enquiry.

Please provide as much information about your enquiry as possible. Such as:

  • names (e.g., past or current staff, collector, research associate, honorary associate)
  • dates (including year and month, if available)
  • place names
  • information about the discipline or collecting area
  • purpose of enquiry

This information will assist the Ask Us team and Archivist to answer the enquiry.

More Information