South Australia’s History Festival is back for another year with a huge program of insightful events happening across the state. Hear the latest research and tales of the unusual and unknown; from amazing experts to local guides. There’s something for curious minds of all ages. Explore our list of Flinders’ affiliated experts showcasing their knowledge below.
The Art of Work is a Work of Art
7–8pm Thursday 1 May, Friday 2 May, Saturday 3 May
2–3pm Saturday 3 May
Tickets from $25
Delve into an experimental archive project drawing on more than 40 years of feminist and creative history at Yartapuulti / Port Adelaide-based contemporary arts organisation, Vitalstatistix. This unique experience places audiences at the centre of the work using sound, installation, and soft furnishings to explore collectivism, memory, and social change.
A number of Flinders staff and graduates have been involved in this show including: Drama lecturer Dr Sarah Peters; graduate, researcher and lecturer Associate Professor Ali Baker (MA(EHLT)(Cwk) ’02, PhD(EHLT) ’18) and the work of the Unbound Collective is also featured in the artwork, and the voice of Flinders Drama Centre graduate Emma Beech (BA ’01, BA(Hons)’01).
The House of History: The death, burial and reburial of Matthew Flinders
7–7.20pm, Tuesday 6 May, Ayers House
Matthew Flinders’ remains were discovered in January 2019 during excavations near Euston Station, thanks to the foresight of someone who affixed a lead plate to his coffin with his name and date of death. This talk by Flinders’ former librarian and graduate Dr Gillian Dooley (BA(Hons) ’96, PhD(EHLT) ’01) describes the ceremonies which attended his ‘return home’ to his birthplace of Donington, Lincolnshire, in July last year, and some of the extraordinary efforts that went into the success of Flinders’ second funeral. It will also explore what we know about his final illness, his last days, and his first funeral in July 1814, based on primary documents – his own journal, and a little-known memoir of his sister-in-law, Isabella, who was present when he died and who organised his funeral.
Let it Dance: From Paris To Penola
6–7.20pm, Sunday 11 May, Mercury Cinema
This film tells the emotional story of how a Parisian boy overcame childhood disability, determined to become an international ballet dancer. Migrating for love to Adelaide, he was a soloist for the Australian Dance Theatre. In his gallery in Penola, his passion for wood carving led him to sculpt St Mary MacKillop’s reliquaries and much more. Presented by Carolyn Corkindale (GradCertTourism(F&EMgmt) ’06).
Hiram Telemachus Mildred 1836: Cabin Boy on the Rapid
2–3pm, Thursday 15 May, Campbelltown Library
Anne Martin (BNg(PostReg) ’97) shares the story of her great uncle, Hiram Mildred. At just 13 years of age, Hiram Mildred sailed for the new colony of South Australia aboard the ‘Rapid’, a surveying brig, accompanied by his uncle George Mildred in 1836. Hiram’s father the Hon. Henry Richard Mildred of ‘Clairville’ in Campbelltown, arrived the following year.
Exploiting South Australia’s coast: past decisions, future visions
Tuesday 20 May, 5.30–7pm, L3, Room 306, Flinders City Campus
Environmental historian Alessandro Antonello uncovers SA’s forgotten seagrass history. Through archives and images, he reveals how people have harmed and protected this vital marine plant – and the roles of government and business in its fate. This lecture coincides with ‘Crosscurrents’, an exhibition exploring contemporary connections to SA’s coast.
Presented by Flinders University Museum of Art and Alessandro Antonello.
The House of History: The State of History
7.30–8pm, Tuesday 27 May, Ayers House
FREE
A recent report by the Australian Historical Association presents a picture of history as a field in crisis. University history departments are shrinking, and student numbers are stagnating. At the same time, South Australia’s landmark cultural institutions continue to be the source of ongoing concern. Public campaigns aimed at rescuing our North Terrace institutions, most recently the South Australian Museum, rumble on. Meanwhile, at the grassroots, history has never been more alive. Community history groups, genealogists, professional and non-professional historians are busy in their work of recording, preserving and interpreting the past and are doing so in consistently large numbers. Join Flinders’ Professor Matthew Fitzpatrick as he discusses this paradox of a discipline thriving during a period of crisis.
“Finding unmarked graves using geophysical techniques: lessons from looking for the Beaumont Children”
2–3pm, Thursday 29 May, Salisbury Library
FREE
Join Flinders’ Archaeology lecturer and researcher Professor Ian Moffat as he talks about his involvement in the mysterious disappearance of the Beaumont Children.
Professor Moffat is an archaeological scientist involved in the 2018 dig and the 2025 dig with anthropologist and anatomist Flinders’ Professor Maciej Henneberg, who has expertise in locating hidden graves.
Professor Moffat’s recent work with South Australia Police in identifying a potential burial site of Jane, Arnna and Grant Beaumont has advanced a method for identifying disturbed soil, archaeological material and unmarked grave sites. Known as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), this technique maps underground features in 3D.
The House of History: A Spotlight on South Australian Historical Research
6.30–8pm, Thursday 29 May, Ayers House
In this 2025 House of History program finale, South Australia’s History Advocate (Dr Kiera Lindsey) puts the spotlight on six recent South Australian history research projects. As part of this talk, Flinders PhD student Johanne Taylor will discuss her research into the inmates of Redruth Girls’ Reformatory, dispute some long held beliefs, and bring to life some of their stories. Come along to learn more about exciting new research occurring across the state – and consider how we can work better together to ‘Give the Past a Future, Now!’