In 1936 the Presbyterian Church of Queensland commissioned Norman F Nelson to visit four Aboriginal mission stations administered by the Church in North Queensland (Mornington Island, Aurukun, Weipa and Mapoon) in order to make an inspection and evaluation of work and properties. He also visited Thursday Island. He was accompanied by J T Robinson. An exhibition organised by Norman F Nelson of the photographs taken on the trip was held at City Hall, Brisbane in 1937. This collection is comprised of two photograph albums. There are 1029 photographs (black and white, 6 x 6 cm) split over two parts (or albums). The original album with its captioning was retained (in Box 1); the photograph captions were transposed exactly into the new albums, and these captions are used as the titles for each photographs. Throughout the albums are typescript reports of trips to mission stations, original sketch plans of each mission drawn by J T Robinson and Norman F Nelson, which are found in Series B. Norman Francis Nelson was the main person to photograph the people and mission facilities.

Content advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that this resource may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms, and descriptions.

Photograph taken while Nelson was visiting Mapoon Mission.

Content advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that this resource may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms, and descriptions.

Typescript report on Mapoon. Norman Nelson gives his impressions of Mapoon mission including the buildings and their measurements, furnishings, agriculture, equipment, and the people.

Original sketch plans prepared by JTR [Joshua Thomas Robinson] and NFN [Norman Francis Nelson]. Plan of the main buildings. Includes: The Manse or Mission House, Church, Hospital, Cook House and Store, Cottage, Girl's Dormitory, Boy's Dormitory, New Cottage, Church at Outstation, School, and Store.

Original sketch plans prepared by JTR [Joshua Thomas Robinson] and NFN [Norman Francis Nelson]. Map showing Port Musgrave, Batavia River, Ducie River, Namaleata River and the location of mission.

Original sketch plans prepared by JTR [Joshua Thomas Robinson] and NFN [Norman Francis Nelson]. Layout of the mission with buildings. Pencil markings over compas directions show a different direction.

Photograph taken while Nelson was visiting Mapoon Mission.

Content advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that this resource may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms, and descriptions.

Photograph taken while Nelson was visiting Mapoon Mission.

Content advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that this resource may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms, and descriptions.

Photograph taken while Nelson was visiting Mapoon Mission.

Content advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that this resource may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms, and descriptions.

Photograph taken while Nelson was visiting Mapoon Mission.

Content advice: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are warned that this resource may contain images, transcripts or names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now deceased. It may also contain historically and culturally sensitive words, terms, and descriptions.