South Australian Museum
Spring 2013 Museum Map on page 5
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Contents
From the Director. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 1 About the South Australian Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 2 Plan your visit....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 4 Map.. . . . . . . . . . . ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 5
Special Exhibitions
Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year.. .................................................. 6 Spinifex Country.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 8 Life Before Dinosaurs: The Permian Monsters.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 9
Museum Galleries
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 10 South Australian Biodiversity Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 12 World Mammals. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 Whales & Dolphins. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 Pacific Cultures. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 Ediacaran Fossils. .................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 Megafauna Fossils. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 Opal Fossils of South Australia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 15 Minerals & Meteorites. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 15 Ancient Egypt....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 15 Giant Squid. ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 15 Out of the Glass Case............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 16 Ways to Support the Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 18 Foundation Update. .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 19 Programs. . ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 20 Calendar.. . . ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 21
Cover: Eucyclodes fascinans, specimen collected in 1892. Just one of the more than two million specimens in the Museum’s terrestrial invertebrate collection.
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
Biodiversity Month is held in September each year to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity, in Australia and around the world. Biodiversity for me is all about discovery. 100 years ago, much of the world must have seemed an exciting and largely unknown and even dangerous place. Brave explorers charted new paths into the unknown creating an ‘age of great discovery’. Typified by the unearthing of lost tribes, new mountain ranges, remains of long lost civilisations and the discovery of wondrous animals and plants. Today, with the internet and cheap intercontinental travel, the world appears a much smaller and tamer place. However human activities have brought with them modern pressures, such as invasive species and climate change, which have radically altered the dynamic of a world previously driven by natural forces. It is against this background that the recent discovery of a new carnivorous mammal species, has caused great excitement. The creature in question, the oliguito – think
possum, but more vicious – is from the Andean cloud forest in Ecuador, South America. Its also not entirely true that the species has only recently been discovered, since specimens of the oliguito have resided in the Smithsonian Institute for nearly 100 years, but had been mistaken for a more common species, the olingo. There was even one specimen in a zoo, although keepers were perplexed as to why it didn’t mate with other olingos – and now we know why not. Scientists are evaluating their conservation status right now, and trying to find the extent
“Biodiversity for me is all about discovery.”
of their range and genetic diversity. But it’s potentially a good news story to find a new species that isn’t immediately under threat. So the age of great discoveries continues, and with approximately 80% of the worlds species still remaining to be identified and named, there are likely to be many more surprises and major new species discoveries in the future.
Prof Andrew Lowe Acting Director, South Australian Museum
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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
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material is the largest and most 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.
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Plan Your Visit
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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 anytime 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, ATM, parents’ room, wheelchair accessible.
RU N D LE M ALL
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm. Closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
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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
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South Australian Biodiversity Gallery
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Ancient Egypt
Opal Fossils
Stair to Level 1
Mezzanine
Giant Squid
Giant Squid
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Pacific Cultures Gallery Stair to Level M Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Giant Squid
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Information Centre World Mammals Stair to Level M North Foyer
Ground
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Giant Squid
Special Exhibitions
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Special Exhibitions
Whales & Dolphins
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Main Entrance
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Main Foyer
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year 4 October – 24 November 2013
Special Exhibition Gallery Level G 3 2 M 1 G
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Tickets Adult $7 Concession $5 Under 16 Free Principal Sponsor
Production Partner
Promotional Partner
Media Partner
Supporter
The Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year competition is owned by the South Australian Museum
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The Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year competition each year celebrates the natural heritage of the Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea bioregions. Finalists are chosen in the categories: Animal Portrait, Animal Behaviour, Black and White, Interpretative Photography, Underwater, Wilderness,
Botanical, Threatened Species, Our Impact and Junior, as well as a Portfolio category for the best collection of six or more images. Photographers go to great lengths to capture breathtaking images of native flora and fauna, before their work goes on show at the South Australian Museum then tours to Western Australia and Tasmania.
Winner of the Animal Portrait category. Andrew Peacock, Anyone seen a dentist? Opposite: Winner of the Botanical category. Raoul Slater, Fungi in mist
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Spinifex Country 5 October 2013 – 8 December 2013 Also showing at Flinders University City Gallery State Library of South Australia
AACG Special Exhibition Gallery, Level G 3 2 M 1
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Free exhibition
Women from Ernabella, South Australia, collecting spinifex for wiltja (shelter) construction, 1939–1940 (detail). Ward Collection Blue Album 019c, courtesy of Strehlow Research Centre and Ara Irititja Archive (p57464) Spinifex Country is a collaboration between Flinders University Art Museum and South Australian Museum.
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Thriving in poor soils, spinifex (Triodia sp.) is a tough, spiky, hummock grass that covers some 22 percent of the Australian continent, defining much of the country’s arid landscape. Historically it has been an important resource for Aboriginal people – foremost as a source of resin and as a building material for windbreaks and shelters but also for medicinal and
combustive purposes and many other innovative applications. Drawing on material culture, historic photographs and contemporary works of art Spinifex Country explores the enduring significance of spinifex to Aboriginal Australia. The exhibition also considers non-indigenous interests in spinifex as a ubiquitous and uniquely Australian grass.
SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Life Before Dinosaurs: The Permian Monsters COMING SOON 14 Dec 2013 – 10 Mar 2014
Special Exhibition Gallery Level G 3 2 M 1
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Tickets Adult $13 Concession $10 Child $7 Family (2 adults + 2 children) $30
A travelling exhibition produced by Gondwana Studios
Step back in time 290 million years when bizarre-looking animals dominated life on land and sea, and find out about the greatest extinction the world has ever seen in Life Before Dinosaurs: The Permian Monsters. From the creators of Hatching the Past: Dinosaur
Eggs & Babies, this unique exhibition brings the past back to life with fossilized skeletons and full size life models of the animals that ruled the world millions of years before the age of dinosaurs, in a time known as the Permian.
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GALLERY HIGHLIGHT
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Level G & Level 1 3 2 M 1
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Principal Sponsor
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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.
Views of the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. Photos: Ross WIlliams
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GALLERY HIGHLIGHT
South Australian Biodiversity Gallery
Level 2 3 2 M 1
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Principal Sponsor
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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.
Views of the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery. Photos: Grant Hancock Photography
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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.
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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.
Ediacaran Fossils Level 3
This gallery is closed for refurbishment and will reopen in December 2013.
Megafauna Fossils Level 3
Marvel at the skeletons of Megafauna from the Pleistocene era when South Australia was a land rich in animals that were at least onethird bigger than their close relatives. Meet the diprotodon, the world’s largest marsupial that looked like a giant wombat and much more.
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 plesiosaur discovered in an Andamookan opal mine along with pieces of the ancient sea bed. You’ll uncover species new to science and fossils from the Moon Plain, a rich hunting ground for fossils from the ancient inland sea.
In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson Level 3
Sir Douglas Mawson’s vision and determination led to a legacy of inspirational scientific knowledge. In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson is an insight into the remarkable achievements of a man whose scientific curiosity led him everywhere from the hot Australian outback to the frozen Antarctic. The gallery contains many of his personal belongings from three Antarctic expeditions, including his half-sledge, papers and photographs, and gives insights into the science to which he contributed.
Sir Douglas Mawson and members of the 1930–31 expedition to Antarctica, left to right, from top: KN Mackenzie (ship’s captain), D Mawson (leader), TH Johnston (chief biologist), K Oom (hydrographic surveyor), JF Hurley (photographer), E Douglas (aviator).
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.
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.
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!
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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
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From the 2012 Out of the Glass Case Roadshow to Pipalyatjara 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
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ADELAIDE
Out of the Glass Case destinations 2003–2013 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
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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 be involved, help make a difference and keep the stories flowing.
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 The South Australian Waterhouse. Museum Foundation The Club’s annual program The focus of the South offers a fine blend of Australian Museum Foundation entertainment and education in is to further the scientific, the company of the Museum’s cultural and educational award winning researchers projects and programs at the and collection managers. The South Australian Museum, locations for these events range through philanthropic support. from the Museum’s own special As an independent notspaces to world-class tourist for-profit organisation, the destinations. The objective Foundation works to ensure of The Waterhouse Club is to the Museum remains at the make associating with the South forefront of natural history Australian Museum fun, while debate, research, and visitor also raising significant funds for attendance in Australia. the Museum each year. The Club’s goal is to build South Australian Museum Foundation a network of like-minded, Polly Pearson, Foundation Officer passionate people who are active 08 8207 7660 in the community and able to polly.pearson@samuseum.sa.gov.au influence outcomes important to the future of the Museum. The Waterhouse Club Natalie Rollinson, Secretariat 08 8203 9802 waterhouseclub@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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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 a volunteer-run organisation that raises funds through membership fees, tours and donations in order to support the South Australian Museum. FOSAM Joy Mallett, President 08 8207 7389 friends@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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.
Foundation Update
The Rainbow Opal
New Donor Wall
The Foundation was established in 2006 and since this time has attracted a myriad of new donors and sponsors to support numerous projects at our much loved Museum, from the upgrade of the Ediacaran Gallery to conservation of the Yuendumu School Doors and now the appeal to acquire the Rainbow Opal. To acknowledge all our wonderful donors, companies and foundations, a new Donor Wall has now been installed just inside the entrance to the Museum. Please do have a look when you are next on North Terrace.
Rainbow Opal Appeal
The Rainbow Opal is regarded as the finest quality crystal opal ever unearthed in Australia – and right now the South Australian Museum has a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire this unique gemstone. Discovered at Coober Pedy in 2003, it is an opalised fossil of a Belemite, an ancient squid that lived over 100 million years ago – just amazing. The Rainbow Opal has been independently assessed to have a conservative value of $1 million – but with invaluable
assistance gained from the National Cultural Heritage Account, the Foundation has set itself the challenge to raise an outstanding $150,000. Already we have come some way to achieving this target … but we still have some way to go! If you are able to help the Museum acquire the Rainbow Opal, please consider making a gift today via the Museum website. Donation boxes are also located at the Museum Cafe, Shop and at the Information Desk.
Thank You Milton Corporation Foundation
For over ten years, on a volunteer basis, Aboriginal staff in the Family History Unit of the Museum have been providing workshops for Aboriginal young offenders, utilising artifacts and records sourced from the Museum’s
collections that relate to the young people’s extended family history. Now the Museum is thrilled to have received a most welcome donation from the Milton Corporation Foundation in support of these efforts to inform, empower and effect positive change in the lives of Aboriginal youth at risk.
The Hon Diana Laidlaw am, Chair South Australian Museum Foundation
For more information, please contact: South Australian Museum Foundation Polly Pearson, Foundation Officer 08 8207 7660 polly.pearson@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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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, in the last week of every month, from March to November. Every child receives a free take home gift. Bookings are essential on 08 8207 7090.
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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 to visit the Museum, to join in special programs and discover amazing objects and stories.
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 *Places are limited, please book online
Date
Time
September – November 2013
What’s On
Location
Admission
September is Biodiversity Month. See online or the Museum’s Biodiversity Month flyer for a full list of programs and events, including tantalising tastes, fascinating lectures and exciting after-hours events. Mon–Fri
11am
Guided tours
Meet in Main Foyer Free
Sat, Sun & Public Hols
2pm, 3pm
Guided tours
Meet in Main Foyer Free
3 Sep
6pm
Pacific Cultures Sprigg Lecture: Never too early to learn: Gallery, Level M Songbird mothers teach their eggs Professor Sonia Kleindorfer from Flinders University presents new research that shows bird embryos learn calls when still in the egg.
13 Sep
7pm
Grub’s Up: Food for the future? Could eating insects solve the issue of world hunger? Join host Chris Daniels and two teams of special guests who will explore the big entomological issues.
15–21 Sep
All day
Indulkana, Mimili, Out of the Glass Case: APY Lands The Roadshow team travel to the APY Lands Fregon, Ernabella, to share Museum stories and collections with Kenmore Park Reception to Year 12 school students.
23, 24, 26, 27 Sep
2pm
Focus guided tours: Biodiversity
23–27 Sep
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Bugs and Butterflies
27 Sep
6–6.45pm, 7–7.45pm, 8–8.45pm
Meet in Main Foyer Free* Torchlight Tours Join Professor Flint on an after-dark Museum exploration. 8pm session is Adults Only, 18+
30 Sep – 4 Oct
10.30am–3pm
Biodiversity Month: School Holiday Program Biodiversity Gallery Free Spineless! A world of animals with no backbone. Family activities include talks, workshops, trails and craft. See online or the Biodiversity Month flyer for details.
1–25 Oct
All day
Free Out of the Glass Case: Upper Spencer Gulf Jamestown, Gladstone, Bullaroo, The Roadshow team travel to the Upper Spencer Gulf region to share Museum stories Peterborough and collections with Reception to Year 12 school students.
Main Foyer
Free*
Tickets $25
Free
Meet in Main Foyer Free Meet in Main Foyer Free*
28 Oct – 1 Nov 10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Earth, Water, Fire
Meet in Main Foyer Free*
28,29,31 Oct 2pm & 1 Nov
Meet in Main Foyer
Focus guided tours: Giant squid
25–29 Nov
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: At the Beach
Meet in Main Foyer Free*
25–29 Nov
By appointment Focus guide tours: Vision impaired
By appointment on 8207 7556
21
Kids’ parties!
Host your child’s birthday party at the South Australian Museum Café for a fun, friendly and affordable occasion, in a truly unique environment. Entertainment also available. Call 08 8207 7332 to book.
www.samuseum.sa.gov.au