Discomfort at the Australian War Memorial: learning the trauma of war

Abstract

The Australian War Memorial occupies an important place in the contested landscape of history education in Australian schools. However, histories of war are challenging topics to teach in that they encompass histories of violence, death and trauma that we often seek to protect children and young people from encountering. This article explores the ways two exhibitions at the Australian War Memorial use confronting material to support history and civics and citizenship education, and considers the role of the museum as a teaching space.