SEX education, Chinese Anzacs, the national anthem and CWA activism are all part of the National Archives' revamped Memory of a Nation exhibition.
The permanent exhibition is changed each year to ensure ongoing preservation.
Researcher Emily Catt delved into the collections recently.
"It's interesting to see how times have changed, especially when it comes to topics such as sex education," she said.
Until the 1970s, sex education was considered inappropriate and too explicit to teach in schools, despite concerns about venereal diseases and their impact on population growth.
However independent organisations often held community lectures, with both men and women of all ages encouraged to attend.
"The exhibition now includes a pamphlet advertising Dr Philpots' "Intimate Lectures" from 1943 and posters warning of the dangers of venereal diseases, as well as correspondence from the Department of Health," Ms Catt said.
Also on display are items telling the story of the Sam family during World War I, when five brothers with an Australian mother and Chinese father enlisted to the army.
The exhibition also includes the 11 year journey to replace God Save The Queen to Advance Australia Fair as the country's national anthem and a look at the CWA's political work.
"We've exhibited a letter from the CWA of Queensland to Prime Minister John Curtin in 1944 expressing the association's interest in post-war reconstruction, in particular the settlement of refugees," Ms Catt said.
- The National Archives' free exhibitions are open from 9am to 5pm each day and until 7pm on Tuesdays.
Details (02) 6212-3600, http://www.naa.gov.au/
