Central Coast Council has put a rare collection of photographs on display depicting the history of death customs on the Central Coast, as part of History Week this week.

The fascinating collection ‘In the Midst of Life’, with pieces rarely seen by the public, documents the ways in which death has been part of Central Coast life and reflects on the many ways that the deceased can be remembered.

Council Local History Librarian, Geoff Potter said the unusual collection uses resources from the Library’s extensive Local History Collection and offers a unique perspective on our region’s historically significant cemeteries, lonely bush graves and funeral customs.

“Death is an unusual topic for a display and can still be regarded as taboo by many people, but it is still an important part of our history and relics such as treasured family photographs, mourning cards and condolence cards may be kept as reminders.” Mr Potter said.

“As funerals are rarely recorded, this collection is quite unique and reflects a side of Central Coast heritage and the funeral industry which is rarely seen. The collection consists of 50-60 photographs with the ‘Spears Family Collection’ and R.H. Creighton Funeral records being the focal points of the display.

“To mark History Week this week, the display will be open to the public along with a number of free events across our branches which I invite anyone who is looking to delve further into family history research to attend.”

August has been National Family History Month, with History Week on from 1-9 September. Council held its ‘Spike Milligan Community Day’ event at Woy Woy Library over the weekend to launch History Week.

The ‘In the Midst of Life’ collection can be viewed at Tuggerah Library from Monday 3 until Friday 14 September, after which it can be viewed at Kincumber Library from Tuesday 18 until Friday 28 September.