South Australian Museum
Winter 2013 Museum Map on page 5
South Australian Museum North Terrace, Adelaide Information 08 8207 7500 www.samuseum.sa.gov.au
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Contents
From the Director. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 1 About the South Australian Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 2 Plan your visit....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 4 Map.. . . . . . . . . . . ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 5
Special Exhibitions
Winning Sky Photos: The David Malin Awards 2012 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 6 The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 8
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 Rainbow Opal Appeal. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 19 Programs. . . .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 20 Calendar.. . . ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 21 South Australian Museum North Terrace, Adelaide Information 08 8207 7500 www.samuseum.sa.gov.au SouthAustralianMuseum SAMuseum SouthAustralianMuseum
What’s On is printed 100% carbon-neutral. Cover: Emu egg incised with longnecked turtle and black snake designs, Murray River, South Australia. Carved by Ngarrindjeri artist Bluey Roberts, 1983
From the Director
As winter arrives in Adelaide, it’s a time for many families and visitors to seek warm and welcoming indoor activities. Museums are perfect places to spend rainy days as they can transport you to extraordinary worlds of adventure and exploration. For me, our Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery (page 10) has always been a favourite. This gallery has, for over a decade, told the vitally important story of how Aboriginal people created a rich and unique civilization in one of the world’s harshest occupied continents. It draws heavily from our Australian Aboriginal Material Culture Collection which is recognized as one of the most comprehensive collections of ethnographic objects in the world. This season I look forward to our NAIDOC Week activities, our research on ancient Aboriginal cave art in the Nullarbor Plain, and our continued effort to digitise the Aboriginal Collections in order to share stories of the richness and diversity of Australia’s Indigenous cultures. I am also thrilled to share with you that the UNESCO Australian Memory of the
World Committee approved the inscription on the Australian Memory of the World Register of our FE Williams Collection as well as our Norman Barnett Tindale Collection – a wonderful recognition for collections that are critical in the understanding and documenting of Aboriginal family histories. It is important to acknowledge that our work involves close collaboration with Aboriginal communities, family groups and individuals, and that their contributions and support are vital in sharing their extraordinary stories and ensuring the integrity and authenticity of our research,
“… our work involves close collaboration with Aboriginal communities”
exhibitions and programs. I hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy some of the cultural events that are planned for our winter season. As this will be my last message as Director of the South Australian Museum, I wanted to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my six years in Adelaide and feel very privileged to have led such an inspiring, innovative and iconic institution. I wish the Museum every success in the future!
Prof Suzanne Miller 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 ATM
Mezzanine
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Giant Squid
Megafauna Fossils Opal Fossils
Stair to Level 1
South Australian Biodiversity Gallery
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Ancient Egypt
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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Museum Lawn
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Main Entrance
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Main Foyer
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Winning Sky Photos: The David Malin Awards 2012 31 May – 7 July 2013
Special Exhibition Gallery Level G 3 2 M 1
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Free exhibition
A Sydney Observatory and Powerhouse Museum travelling exhibition. Awards presented by the Central West Astronomical Society for AstroFest, Parkes NSW. Supported by Canon Australia and CSIRO’s Austronomy and Space Sciences.
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Alex Cherney, Speared Emu. Winner of the Wide Field category. © Alex Cherney
In the 1970s astronomer and photographer David Malin became the first person to photograph the faint colours of the night sky. His pictures taken from the AngloAustralian Observatory have become the canonical images of many celestial sites, from the Horsehead Nebula to our nearest-neighbour galaxies. With modern equipment, amateur astronomers are taking increasingly spectacular images of the sky.
In this travelling exhibition from the Powerhouse Museum visitors can view top entries from the David Malin Awards, an astrophotography competition held annually by the Central West Astronomical Society and open to photographers around Australia. The competition aims to encourage photographers to use their vision, imagination and skill to produce inspiring and beautiful images of the sky.
There are seven categories: deep sky; wide-field; solar system: high-res (field of view less than one moon-width); solar system: wide-field (field of view greater than one moon-width); animated sequences; and junior (18 years and under). This year’s open theme was ‘Symmetries’. A Photo Editor’s Choice Award was added in 2012. Martin Pugh, IC5067. Winner of the Deep Sky category. © Martin Pugh
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize 20 July – 8 September 2013
Special Exhibition Gallery Level G 3 2 M 1
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Tickets Adult $10 Concession $7 Child (under 16) Free
Waterhouse Art Prize 2012 Overall Winner. Margaret Loy Pula, Anatye (Bush Potato) (detail). Acrylic on linen
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Waterhouse Art Prize 2011 Overall Winner. Julie Blyfield, Scintilla Series – Spiralling weed, Soft Sponge, Sea urchin Vessels 2010. Pure silver
Science is more crucial than ever before in helping us understand and address the overwhelming number of environmental challenges facing our planet. The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is a prestigious international competition that challenges artists to tell the stories of natural science using a range of media. Entrants explore the processes and discoveries of every scientific discipline in creative and
unlimited ways. Art lovers and collectors return to the Waterhouse Gala Evening and Exhibition every year to see 100 new artworks that have been critically selected by local and international judges. The stunning diversity and colour showcased in the gallery, as well as the scientific messages behind the highcalibre artworks, continue to attract visitors of all ages. The success of the Prize confirms for the Museum that people
love to see science through the boundless imagination of the talented artists. The Waterhouse is a fixture in the Australian art calendar and has provided many artists with encouragement, rewards and recognition. Discover the latest selection of outstanding artworks in the 2013 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize Exhibition.
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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
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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, Ken Ross, Executive Officer passionate people who are active 08 8207 7395 in the community and able to ken.ross@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.
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDATION
Rainbow Opal Appeal
The Rainbow Opal
For me, one of the joys of life is witnessing wonderful moments at the Museum as families explore the rich collections, and delight in making discoveries together. Regularly this is so on the Museum’s third floor – a world of fossils, rocks, meteorites, dinosaurs and dazzling minerals. Always they feed young imaginations and thrill everyone else. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, our Museum scientists work closely with State and Federal agencies to identify and protect Australia’s natural heritage to ensure that it remains in Australia for us all to enjoy forevermore. This endeavour is the reason that I write to you now. The South Australian Museum, with partial funding approved by the National Cultural Heritage Account, has been presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire the Rainbow Opal. The Rainbow Opal is regarded as the finest quality crystal opal ever unearthed. It is an opalised fossil formed as a result of an extraordinary set of natural forces, found uniquely in South Australia.
Weighing 72.64 carets, it is a uniform, solid block of intense colour discovered in Coober Pedy in 2003. It is also extraordinarily rare – being an opalised fossil of a belemnite, an ancient squid-like creature over 100 million years old. The Rainbow Opal has been independently assessed by two accredited appraisers with a conservative insurance value of $1 million. However, the local owners have offered the Museum the first option to purchase this gem at a greatly reduced price. They are keen for this national treasure to remain in South Australia as a source of State pride and as part of the Museum’s stunning Mineral Collection for care and research purposes. They also recognise that the year 2015 is the 100th anniversary of the discovery of opal at Coober Pedy.
I now seek your support to raise an outstanding sum of $150,000 to seal the purchase of the Rainbow Opal and keep it in South Australia. I so hope that you will join me in supporting the Museum realise this never to be repeated opportunity. All donations to the SA Museum Foundation of $2 and more are tax deductible.
The Hon Diana Laidlaw am, Chair South Australian Museum Foundation
For more information, please contact: South Australian Museum Foundation Ken Ross, Executive Officer 08 8207 7395 ken.ross@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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Programs
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
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. Generously supported by the Wood Foundation.
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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 June – August 2013 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
21 June
5.30–6pm
Tell Me a Bedtime Story Put on your PJs and bring your snuggle rug for soothing bedtime stories with the animals as part of the Nights on North Terrace program.
World Mammals Gallery, Level G
21 June
6.30–7.15pm, 7.30–8.15pm
Torchlight Tours Join Professor Flint on an after dark exploration of the biodiversity and fossil galleries as part of the Nights on North Terrace program.
Meet in Main Foyer Free*
24–28 June
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Homes Join Emma, Ninian or Stephen for an interactive story time for 3–5 year olds.
Meet in Main Foyer Free*
8–14 July
10.30am– 2.30pm
Free Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, Levels G & 1
29 July – 2 Aug
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Up Close Join Emma, Ninian or Stephen for an interactive story time for 3–5 year olds.
30 July
6pm. Doors open 5.30pm for pre-lecture drinks
Sprigg Lecture: Ursula McConnel’s Tin Trunk: A Remarkable Story Professor Peter Sutton sheds new light on the life and work of pioneer Australian anthropologist Ursula McConnel, based on the contents of a long-lost tin trunk. Presented in collaboration with the Anthropological Society of South Australia.
Pacific Cultures Gallery, Level M
Free*
12–16 Aug
All day
Out of the Glass Case: Whyalla The Roadshow team travel to Whyalla to share Museum stories and collections with Reception to Year 12 school students.
Whyalla
Free
12–18 Aug
26–30 Aug
NAIDOC WEEK: School Holiday Program Family activities include painting, performances and storytelling.
Science Week: The STEM Studio Are you a 13–14 year-old female student interested in science? Come to this program and meet like-minded women and discover why they became scientists. 10.15–10.45am, Tell Me a Story: Across the Sea 11am–11.30am Join Emma, Ninian or Stephen for an interactive story time for 3–5 year olds.
Free*
Meet in Main Foyer Free*
Free
Meet in Main Foyer Free*
*Bookings essential for these programs, please call 08 8207 7090
21
Exploring the natural world through artistic creativity
Gala Launch Night, 19 July 2013 Guests will enjoy a black-tie reception that celebrates the winning artists of this prestigious international competition and will have the first opportunity to view and acquire winning artworks. Be inspired by the stunning diversity and colour showcased in the gallery, as well as the scientific messages behind these high-calibre artworks. Hosted annually by the South Australian Museum Foundation for the benefit of the Museum. To purchase tickets please call 08 8207 7660 or email foundation@samuseum.sa.gov.au. Principal Event Sponsor
2011 Waterhouse Art Prize Overall Winner. Julie Blyfield, Scintilla Series — Spiralling weed, Soft sponge, Sea urchin Vessels 2010. Pure silver.
South Australian Museum North Terrace, Adelaide Information 08 8207 7500 www.samuseum.sa.gov.au