South Australian Museum
Autumn 2014
Contents
From the Director. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 1 About the South Australian Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 2 Plan your visit....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 4 Map.. . . . . . . . . . . ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 5
Special Exhibitions
Ngintaka.. . . . ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 6
Museum Galleries
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 8 South Australian Biodiversity Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 10 World Mammals. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 12 Whales & Dolphins. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 12 Pacific Cultures. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 12 First Life: Ediacara Biota....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 12 In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 13 South Australian Megafauna.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 13 Minerals & Meteorites. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 13 Opal Fossils of South Australia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 13 Ancient Egypt....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 13 Giant Squid. .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 13 Museum Online.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 Festival Season Special Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 15 Ways to Support the Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 16 Out of the Glass Case........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 18 Programs. . . .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 20 Calendar.. . . ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 21
Cover: Discovering sounds of nature during the Tell Me a Story program.
What’s On is printed 100% carbon-neutral. All information is correct at publication. Programs and events may change due to circumstances beyond our control.
From the Director
“… I feel privileged to be entrusted with the leadership of this great museum …”
Welcome and thank you for visiting the South Australian Museum.
On the eve of my third month as Director, I am enthused and excited to be in Australia and leading this truly world-class institution. I have been very fortunate to have worked in some of the best cultural institutions in London, but I have always wanted to run my own museum. When the call came asking if I would be interested in having my name put forward, I think it took me less than a nanosecond to say “yes, I would be very interested.” The South Australian Museum has two major advantages: our truly impressive scientific work and the quality of our collections, which are unsurpassed by any other museum in Australia. One of the things I really want to look at is how we engage our many audiences. How do we engage children? Families? Young professionals? Older people? We are in the engagement business and we have to look at how we can make our programs, galleries and exhibitions compelling, so that you want to come back often to visit us.
It is important for museums to evolve and change. Museums the world over are adept at change. With the integration of new digital technologies it is very hard to imagine a visit to a museum not complete without a smartphone or tablet. It is important that we interpret our collections and our scientific work to reflect the time that we live in, so that people can continue to be inspired. This season Adelaide is the Festival City. I am thrilled that the Museum will be very much a part of it. We have partnered with the Adelaide Festival to bring you Dig It! – a month-long free fossil dig on the Museum’s North Terrace Lawn. Also we are returning to WOMADelaide’s
KidZone with our specially curated Explorers’ Tent. Both will be exciting and engaging offerings for the family. I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to the South Australian Museum. Please jump online and join our many digital communities on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I would also encourage you to join our community of donors by making a gift on the donation page of our website. Donations are tax deductible and a great way for everyone to be part of the good work of the South Australian Museum. Brian Oldman Director, South Australian Museum
1
About the South Australian Museum
Come and explore the South Australian Museum – the most visited natural history museum in Australia and one of Australia’s most important scientific and cultural institutions. We’re committed to sharing our specimens, stories and science with you in an interactive and fun environment to inspire lifelong learning and give you an experience you’ll never forget. Wander through five floors of amazing exhibits where you’ll be surprised by nature and fascinated by our stories. The Museum cares for over four million objects and specimens collected over the last 150 years, ranging from minerals and meteorites to polar exploration artefacts and parasitic creatures. Our unique and globally significant collections are a vital part of Australia’s national heritage and the international scientific record and they’re growing every year! Exploring South Australia or Australia for the first time? Start your journey at the gateway to Aboriginal Australia – the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. Our collection of Aboriginal material is the largest and most
2
comprehensive in existence – a truly international resource. Here you can see Aboriginal artefacts from across the country and watch Aboriginal Australians tell their stories. The South Australian Biodiversity Gallery highlights the extraordinary diversity of the wildlife you’ll encounter on your travels through the different regions of the State. Have the locals been telling you tall tales about our animals?
The Museum’s Information Centre is open every day – our science communicators can answer your questions or identify any specimens you bring in. Generations of Adelaideans have explored the Ancient Egypt gallery, marveled at Nathan the lion in our World Mammals Gallery and rushed up four floors to see our 11-metre-long giant squid from top to bottom. South
Australia’s unique fossil history is on show in the Fossils Gallery where you’ll find 40 000 year old megafauna fossils, 120 million year old opalised fossils and even 500 million year old fossils from the Flinders Ranges that changed our understanding of evolution. Take some time out between galleries to relax and enjoy a meal in the Museum Café or browse through the Museum Shop, where you’ll find books,
jewellery, toys, cultural artefacts and even fossils. The South Australian Museum is also a major centre of exciting scientific discovery. Behind the scenes, scientists use our collections to understand Australia’s natural and cultural heritage and are world leaders in palaeontology, evolutionary biology, terrestrial invertebrates and mineralogy. Our scientists don’t just stay in the Museum, they take exhibits
to regional areas for our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow. Our music programs, community initiatives and public events also inspire the community to learn more about our natural environment. Museums are a trusted information resource because they are based on the real thing – the collections. Come and see ‘the real thing’ at the South Australian Museum.
3
Plan Your Visit
4
To Migration Museum
State Library of South Australia
South Australian Museum
KI N TORE AVEN U E
Whether you’re in for a whole day of exploring or just a quick visit, we’ve got thousands of incredible creatures and spectacular stories to share. The South Australian Museum is on North Terrace in the cultural heart of Adelaide, between the Art Gallery of South Australia and State Library of South Australia. With five floors of exhibits, we’re recognised internationally for the size and breadth of our collections. Our permanent galleries have been favourites for generations of visitors, including the Ancient Egypt gallery and our giant squid that stretches over four floors. We also showcase collections from other museums around the world through visiting exhibitions. Self-guided tours are available at any time or our dedicated volunteers can guide you at 11am on weekdays and 2pm and 3pm on weekends and public holidays. We even run special guided tours on selected days so that you can learn about individual galleries and collections in more detail. Give us a call on 08 8207 7500 or visit www.samuseum.sa.gov.au to find out what’s on and when.
Art Gallery of South Australia
To Rundle Mall
To Government House To Adelaide Railway Station
G AWLER PL ACE
N O RTH TERRACE
If you’ve got questions about what you’ve seen then pop into the Information Centre and have a chat to our friendly and knowledgeable staff. The Museum is an easy walk from accommodation, public transport, car parks and the Rundle Mall shopping precinct. Admission: Entry to the Museum is free. Entry fees may apply for special exhibitions. Service animals are freely admitted. Deaf and hearing impaired tours are available during the year.
To University of Adelaide To Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Getting here: Bus: Bus stop G1 Train: Adelaide Railway Station Tram: Rundle Mall Parking: Street parking on Kintore Ave and commercial car parks on North Terrace
Facilities: Museum Café, Museum Shop, public lawns, parents’ room, wheelchair accessible.
RU N D LE M ALL
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm. Closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Map n
o
rt
h
Main Lift to Levels G 1 M 2 3 Stair to Levels G 1 2 3 Ediacaran Fossils
Southern Lift and stair to Levels G 1 2 3
Mawson
Minerals & Meteorites
Museum Shop Museum Cafe Information Desk Cloaking Toilets Parents Room
Megafauna Fossils
M
South Australian Biodiversity Gallery
3
Ancient Egypt
Opal Fossils
Stair to Level 1
Mezzanine
Giant Squid
Giant Squid
2
Pacific Cultures Gallery Stair to Level M Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Giant Squid
1
Information Centre World Mammals Stair to Level M North Foyer
Ground
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Giant Squid
Special Exhibitions
G
Special Exhibitions
Whales & Dolphins
rt o
Museum Lawn
h
te
rr
ac
e
Main Entrance
n
G
Main Foyer
5
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Ngintaka 29 March 2014 – 22 June 2014
Special Exhibition Gallery Level G 3 2 M 1
G
G
Free entry Exhibition Partners
Media Partner
Exhibition Sponsors
6
Songlines Project Partners: Australian National University, National Museum of Australia, Department of the Environment, Ananguku Arts and Culture Aboriginal Corporation, Ngaanyatjarra
Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council Aboriginal Corporation, Palya Fund, Archaeological & Heritage Management Solutions
The South Australian Museum is providing the venue for the Ngintaka exhibition, the first time Anangu Traditional Owners from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY Lands) in far north west South Australia, have told the story of one of their foundational songlines in such a multilayered exhibition, combining
song, story, dance, painting, carving, tjanpi, audio and a 360-degree film installation – Anangu and western knowledge complementing each other in the fields of archaeology, rock art and multimedia technology. The exhibition is aimed to communicate with children and school students but will also hold adults enthralled.
Above: Tjala Arts Collaborative – Paniny Mick, Tingila (Yaritji) Young, Tjungkara Ken, Freda Ken, Marinka Tunkin and Sandra Ken, Ngintaka Tjukurpa – Perentie Man Story, 2012. Synthetic polymer paint on linen, 197 × 198 cm. Courtesy Ananguku Arts Community Collection. Photo Iain Morton Opposite: Andy Tjilari performing Wati Ngintaka, Angatja Inma Festival, 1992. Photo Diana James.
7
GALLERY HIGHLIGHT
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Level G & Level 1 3 2 M 1
G
Principal Sponsor
8
G
The South Australian Museum’s Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery was developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities around Australia. It’s the most comprehensive Aboriginal cultural gallery in the world and provides a fresh perspective on many aspects of Aboriginal culture and history. We encourage you to find your own way pathway through this modern and multi-layered gallery which includes over 3 000 objects and hundreds of photographs from all regions of Australia. The gallery explores the achievements, creativity
and diversity of Australian Aboriginal cultures before the significant impact of European contact. Artefacts, artworks, films, sound recordings, field notebooks and manuscripts are brought to life in the gallery’s many multi-media exhibits that include touch screens, virtual reality sequences, sound recordings and films. Arriving in Australia over 50 000 years ago, Aboriginal people successfully colonised the entire continent, adapting and thriving with elegant solutions to one of the world’s harshest environments. You’ll
discover how Aboriginal people knew when and where to move seasonally and how they used their knowledge of the landscape, plant species and animal behaviour to hunt and gather food. Special modules in the gallery feature the technological achievements of Aboriginal people – from fish-killing boomerangs and bark buckets to chisels and axes. The diversity of tools created by Aboriginal people across Australia is awe-inspiring. Food gathering tools and samples of the foods they ate like wild yams, truffles,
grasshoppers and witchetty grubs are on display, together with plants and techniques used to make medicines and hunting poisons. Storytelling sticks, spinning tops and games as well as ceremonial objects will leave you with a vivid impression of everyday Aboriginal life. The gallery is a living collection – information is widely used by members of Aboriginal communities in genealogical research and has helped many people discover ‘their country’. At the time of European settlement, there were more than 250
Aboriginal language groups across Australia and regional case studies are a major feature of the gallery. Films of Aboriginal people talking about ‘their country’ are used alongside maps and spectacular landscape images to give each region an identity. Come and see Aboriginal people continue to tell their stories through the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.
Museum visitors in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.
9
GALLERY HIGHLIGHT
South Australian Biodiversity Gallery
Level 2 3 2 M 1
G
Principal Sponsor
10
G
From giant squid in the deep Southern Ocean to hopping mice in the hot northern deserts, South Australia is home to a diverse and distinct range of wildlife. The South Australian Biodiversity Gallery at the South Australian Museum celebrates our amazing wildlife across four distinct environmental regions: arid, temperate, coastal and marine. Travelling through South Australia? A visit to this gallery is a must to help you spot and identify the unique wildlife you’ll see during your trip. There are over 12 000 models in the gallery which are so detailed that it’s hard to believe that they won’t spring to life as you approach. Listen to the sounds of the ocean and the birds calling as you wander through the gallery and explore each region through interactive specimen drawers, multimedia interpretive panels, electronic labelling and discovery boards. Play hide and seek with animals at sea, guess which jaws are adapted for biting different foods and learn about corals and sea slugs in our marine environment. The deep sea environment has also been
recreated in ‘Life in the Deep’; a stunning display that stretches over four floors. Its star is an 11 metre long lifesized model of the largest squid ever recorded. The giant squid is accompanied by models of its fellow sea creatures like vampire squid, jelly fish and crabs while interactive screens detail the mysterious world of these creatures. South Australia’s wildlife has a well-earned reputation – you can learn about the deadly weapons of our spiders, snakes, octopuses and jelly fish and watch ants defend their nest against intruders. You can match the animal to their desert home, discover which animals only come out at night and even try your hand at matching the scat (poo) to the animal! Want to get involved? Visit the research station within the gallery to learn more about what you can do to help protect our precious biodiversity.
Museum visitors in the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery.
11
Museum Galleries
World Mammals Level G
Take a walk around the world with animals from all geographic regions in the World Mammals gallery. Have you ever wondered how you measure up to an elephant or an elk? Prepared in the early days of the Museum by our excellent taxidermists, our specimens put mammals into perspective, both large and small. Many animals that now call the Museum home actually lived long and happy lives at the Adelaide Zoo – each animal in our gallery has a story to tell.
Whales & Dolphins Main Foyer, Level G
Whales and dolphins are a favourite with many Australians as they symbolise our love of the ocean and its amazing marine life. The Museum has the largest collection of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in Australia – our gallery is just the tip of the iceberg! Right next door to the Museum Café, our display of an 18m sperm whale skeleton – one of the largest ever collected – is not to be missed.
12
Pacific Cultures Level M
The Pacific Cultures Gallery is the largest exhibition of Pacific material in Australia and a truly remarkable collection of the material cultures of the Pacific. Artefacts are on display from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and New Zealand. The collection has about 3 000 items including spears, shields, utensils, ornaments and ritual objects. Information and images within the gallery help to explain geographic differences and cultural changes over time. You can also learn about the scientists, missionaries, government officers and other collectors who have contributed to the collection. The Pacific Cultures Gallery is being preserved as an example of 19th century museum display using the original heritagelisted wall cases and flat cases. This forms a striking contrast to other collections within the Museum.
Marvelling at the sea floor display in the Ediacaran Fossils Gallery.
First Life: Ediacara Biota Level 3
Did you know that fossils of the earliest known forms of animal life were found in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia? The Ediacaran Period is named after the region where these fossils were found and this period is one of the most exciting areas of palaeontology today. South Australia’s truly unique and crucial contribution to our understanding of evolution can be found in this freshly redeveloped gallery. The time-scale and magnitude of the discovery can be hard to comprehend, but seeing these rare fossils is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Generously supported by Beach Energy.
In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson Level 3
This gallery will be temporarily replaced by the Traversing Antarctica installation until April 2014.
Opal Fossils of South Australia Level 3
Can you imagine finding a mighty marine reptile in the dry opal fields of outback Australia? Come and see the partial skeleton of a six metre long Megafauna Fossils plesiosaur discovered in an Level 3 Andamookan opal mine along Marvel at the skeletons of with pieces of the ancient sea megafauna from the Pleistocene bed. You’ll uncover species era when South Australia was new to science and fossils from a land rich in animals that were the Moon Plain, a rich hunting at least one-third bigger than ground for fossils from the their close relatives. Meet the ancient inland sea. diprotodon, the world’s largest marsupial that looked like a giant wombat and much more.
Minerals & Meteorites Level 3
Stunning colours, shapes and sizes – they’re all on display in this gallery. You’ll see a ‘rainbow’ of mineral formations, meteorites and even rocks from Antarctica. We’ve handpicked each mineral from our collection that holds over 35 000 specimens – one of the largest in Australia. From diamonds to dolomite, the Minerals gallery showcases material from Australia’s first mines and explores the stories behind each discovery.
Ancient Egypt Level 3
The Ancient Egypt gallery holds the mummy and coffin of Renpit-Nefert, along with more than 650 artefacts that shed light on Egyptian life. The gallery forms part of our Foreign Ethnology collection that holds over 26 000 items from the Pacific, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Giant Squid All Levels
Our Life in the Deep display was twelve months in the making and it’s easy to see why – our giant squid extends over four floors!
3 2 M 1
G
G
Reconstructed plesiosaur model in the Opal Fossils Gallery.
13
MUSEUM ONLINE
www.samuseum.sa.gov.au
Stay Connected
Go Behind the Scenes
Subscribe and Support
Vimeo
Enews
Like us on Facebook and let us know what you think about the Museum, share your stories, ask a question, and see what our Museum teams get up to.
Follow @SAMuseum on Twitter for up-to-theminute news, upcoming events, fun facts and stories.
We’ve curated an eclectic mix of videos and short films that take you inside the special exhibitions and permanent galleries of the Museum, behind the scenes to our science labs, and even feature our annual holiday message. Explore the South Australian Museum library on vimeo.com today and be inspired.
Capture and share your Museum experiences with the world! Tag us on Instagram @southaustralianmuseum. #southaustralianmuseum #samuseum
Scan this QR code to visit the Museum’s website: www.samuseum.sa.gov.au
14
Online Science Stories
The South Australian Museum is a major centre of exciting scientific discovery. Each month we tap into the important work being done by our scientists across the globe. Unlocked: Stories from our Scientists is a special online series that features stories about new discoveries, fieldwork, new acquisitions and more. Stay upto-date online at samuseum. sa.gov.au/media/unlocked
Be the first to find out about happenings and special offers at the South Australian Museum by subscribing to our monthly Enews at samuseum.sa.gov.au.
What’s On
Our seasonal What’s On helps you stay in touch with all our upcoming activities and events at the Museum and across the state. It is a carefully created resource designed for you to share with friends and family. What’s On is distributed across Adelaide, and mailed free of charge to subscribers. To sign up today simply email your request to marketing@ samuseum.sa.gov.au
Donate
Donations help us to share our collections, undertake research and tell important stories through our exhibitions and galleries. Make a gift online today and help us to offer many of our much-loved, free educational programs for South Australian families. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Festival Season Special Events
Dig It! @ The Museum Sat 1 – Sun 23 March
Bring your budding palaeontologist to the South Australian Museum during this year’s Adelaide Festival to discover evidence that life, as we know it, began over 560 million years ago here in South Australia. Join our dig in the sand to uncover the mysterious fossils buried there. Combine this engaging hands-on exploration ‘in the field’ with a visit to the newly re-opened Ediacaran Gallery, displaying fascinating finds that will amaze all ages.
Adelaide Festival www.adelaidefestival.com.au
Explorers’ Tent at WOMADelaide Fri 7 – Mon 10 March
Awaken your senses! Join scientists and experts from the South Australian Museum as they guide you through the sounds and wonders of the natural and cultural world. Visit the Explorers’ Tent in the KidZone to play and learn with hands-on science discovery activities for the whole family. Generously supported by the Thyne Reid Foundation.
WOMADelaide www.womadelaide.com.au
15
Ways to Support the Museum
Museums depend on the generosity of individuals, corporations, governments, community groups and associations to reach their full potential. We encourage you to consider becoming involved, to help make a difference and keep the stories flowing.
The South Australian Museum Foundation
As an independent notfor-profit organisation, the Foundation works to ensure the Museum remains at the forefront of natural history debate, research, and visitor attendance in Australia. The Foundation was established in 2005 to realise the vision for the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery. Since that time it has nurtured relationships to raise vital funds necessary to complete the restoration of the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, to acquire and conserve artefacts, to complete collections, and to extend the Museum’s outreach initiatives to a wider audience. South Australian Museum Foundation Polly Pearson, Foundation Officer 08 8207 7660 polly.pearson@samuseum.sa.gov.au
16
Above, left to right: Museum supporters Mrs Fiona MacLachlan OAM and Dr Barbara R Hardy AO with Hon Diana Laidlaw AM, Chair of the South Australian Museum Foundation at the Rainbow Opal Appeal thank you event, 5 February 2014.
Donate online
The Museum’s award-winning website also features an opportunity to donate online – simply click “support” and follow the prompts. Or scan the code below. Scan this QR code to donate online:
Mad-March Museum Shopping Exclusive
The Museum Shop is the exclusive outlet for Adelaide Festival 2014 merchandise including T-shirts, posters, mugs, bags and tea-towels (prices start from $10). The Museum Shop also stocks gemstones, books, toys, aboriginal artefacts and much more – all profits from these sales support the Foundation and are re-invested in the Museum.
Treat your Mum on Mother’s Day
Why not celebrate Mother’s Day (Sunday 11 May) with your family at the Museum Café and sample our new autumn menu.
Waterhouse Club Expedition to Kangaroo Island Emu Bay Trilobite Fossil Site, 2011.
The Waterhouse Club
The Waterhouse Club was established in 1987 to provide an innovative approach to the traditional role of a support group, in an era of reducing public sector funding. The Club takes its name from the South Australian Museum’s first Curator, Frederick George Waterhouse. The Club’s annual program offers a fine blend of entertainment and education in the company of the Museum’s award winning researchers and collection managers. The locations for these events range from the Museum’s own special spaces to world-class tourist destinations. The objective of The Waterhouse Club is to make associating with the South Australian Museum fun, while also raising significant funds for the Museum each year. The Club’s goal is to build a network of like-minded, passionate people who are active in the community and able to influence outcomes important to the future of the Museum. The Waterhouse Club Natalie Rollinson, Secretariat 08 8203 9802 waterhouseclub@samuseum.sa.gov.au
Friends of the South Australian Museum
The Friends of the South Australian Museum are dedicated to helping the Museum tell the story of Australia’s unique natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. Founded in 1965, the Friends is an entirely volunteer organisation that raises funds through membership fees, tours and donations in order to support the South Australian Museum.
Please donate
Consider making a gift when you visit the South Australian Museum. Donation boxes are located in the Main Foyer, and for a gold coin donation, you can make our T-rex roar! Every donation helps the Museum support life-long learning in the community.
FOSAM Joy Mallett, President 08 8207 7389 friends@samuseum.sa.gov.au
17
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Out of the Glass Case
At the South Australian Museum, we know that not everyone can come to us. That’s why every year since 2003 we’ve hit the road, taking our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow to regional, rural and remote SA. The roadshow is one of the few programs of its type in Australia – we take our collections out of their cases (and scientists out of their labs!) to share their latest research with our community. Our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow has travelled over 45 000 kilometres to share our stories, collection items and science, amazing and inspiring over 36 000 people along the way. Our specially-trained staff provide free, interactive and memorable learning experiences that are suitable for all students. We work with schools and communities to provide curriculum-linked sessions and public programs that promote cultural connections, help people learn more about their region and other cultures and environments. The roadshow isn’t just for students – everyone gets involved in our community
18
Having fun with science, taken during the 2013 Out of the Glass Case Roadshow to Idulkana Anangu School in the APY lands.
events which include field days, interactive activities and talks. Since 2010, the Out of the Glass Case Roadshow has been visiting the Anangu, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. It provides an opportunity for people in remote communities to engage with Museum stories and our collections. We’ve
taken young people on a quick trip through four and a half billion years of history and shared stories about discovery, nature and culture. Our team gets a real buzz out of the roadshows too. People in rural and remote areas often have great first-hand knowledge of their environment and the enthusiasm of the young
NORTH
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ADELAIDE
Out of the Glass Case destinations 2003–2014 people (and the adults!) really inspires our team. From the oldest of fossils to newly discovered species, our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow gives people of all ages an unforgettable museum experience. It can open discussion on pathways for further education in science, natural and cultural history. It’s also a great chance for
students to see research in action, discover the relevance of science in everyday life linking the past, present and future. Generously supported by the Wood Foundation and a private philanthropic fund.
Sponsors
Leeanne Bloomfield, Outreach Officer 08 8207 7518 leeanne.bloomfield@samuseum.sa.gov.au
19
Programs
Tell Me a Story
Information Centre
This is the place to go if you have any questions! Our team knows all about our exhibits and can even help identify any specimens you bring in. If you do manage to stump them with a tricky question, they have our scientists on call to help find the answer. Whether it’s looking with our microeye into a secret world, or watching our bees make honey, the Information Centre is a free, hands-on, fun and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages. Open weekdays 11am– 4pm, 11am–3pm on weekends and public holidays. Closed 25 Dec – 1 Jan. Telephone 08 8207 7404. Generously supported by the Thyne Reid Foundation.
Tell Me a Story
Join Emma, Ninian or Stephen for an interactive story time designed especially for kids aged 3–5 years. These 30 minute sessions centre on real objects from our collections and use story, song, dance and poetry to surprise and inspire. Sessions are free and run twice a day on weekdays, one week of every month, from March to November. Every child receives a free take home gift. Bookings are essential on 08 8207 7090.
20
School Holiday Program
For over 30 years we’ve been running holiday programs that engage and entertain children of all ages. These programs are developed to inspire life-long learning, and there’s something new on offer every holiday. Holidays are a great time join in special programs and discover amazing objects and stories. Generously supported by the Thyne Reid Foundation.
Guided Tours
Unlock more of the Museum’s secrets with a free guided tour. Our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers offer daily tours that take in the highlights of our collections. They also provide special tours of selected galleries to explore the Museum’s collections in more detail.
Sprigg Lecture Series
The Sprigg lectures commemorate the life of a remarkable South Australian, Dr Reg Sprigg ao. Not only did he discover the world’s oldest fossilised animals in the Flinders Ranges, he also founded the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. This lecture series celebrates the ongoing spirit of scientific discovery, expedition and endeavour. Lectures are free but bookings are essential on 08 8207 7090. Join in the conversation on twitter, #Sprigg. Generously supported by Beach Energy and Bundaleer Wines.
Calendar March – May 2014
*Places are limited, please book online
Date
Time
What’s On
Location
Admission
Mon–Fri
11am
Guided tours
Meet in Main Foyer Free
Sat, Sun & Public Hols
2pm, 3pm
Guided tours
Meet in Main Foyer Free
1–23 Mar
10am–5pm
Dig It! @ the Museum Bring your budding palaeontologist and uncover mysterious fossils ‘in the field’.
Museum Front Lawns
Free
7–10 Mar
10am–5pm
Explorers’ Tent at WOMADelaide Activities and workshops with Museum scientists and experts.
KidZone, WOMADelaide, Botanic Park
WOMADelaide entry fees apply
3–7 Mar
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Fossil Hunters & 11–11.30am Let’s go back a long, long, long time ago and dig for buried treasure … fossils!
Fossil Galleries, Level 3
Free*
4 Mar
6pm Doors open 5.30pm for pre-lecture drinks
Sprigg Lecture: Catching the Ediacara Wave Pacific Cultures Gallery, Level M Professor Mary Droser, Palaeobiologist, University of Southern California. Just how different was life in the South Australian oceans was 550 million years ago?
Free*
7–11 Apr
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Under the Earth & 11–11.30am Adventure with us underground to collect rocks of different shapes and sizes in all the colours of the rainbow.
Sun 13 Apr
11am–2pm
Museum Front Curious Collections Lawns and Every object tells a story. Hear stories from key South Australian collector clubs. Bring in Main Foyer a treasure from your own collection and talk with experts from Artlab Australia about how to conserve them.
13–17 April
10am–3pm
School Holiday Program: Collections What do you like to collect? Discover why collections are important and how they can be the key to the future.
5–9 May
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Snow and Ice & 11–11.30am Put on your snow shoes, hats and gloves. We are off to the Antarctic.
Minerals Gallery, Level 3
Free*
Free
Main Foyer and Museum Galleries
Free
Mawson Gallery, Level 3
Free*
21
Entries now open The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is a unique opportunity for talented artists to immerse themselves in the wonders of science. We challenge artists to use skills in their chosen media to interpret the natural world and contribute to the great environmental debates facing our planet. Finalists’ artworks will be displayed at the South Australian Museum and winners will tour to the National Archives in Canberra. Entries close 9 May 2014. www.waterhouse.samuseum.sa.gov.au
2013 Overall Winner Judith Brown, Flight of fancy, 2013. Bulbs, leaves and paper, 56 x 51 x 29 cm.