MCCSA encourages all South Australians to get involved in the 15th annual History Festival running from 28 April to 31 May 2018. This year’s program was launched on Friday 6 April by the Right Hon. Martin Haese, Lord Mayor of Adelaide with the Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, at the Torrens Parade Ground.

The entire month of May will journey through South Australia’s history with events held in every region across South Australia from Bordertown to Port Lincoln, Penola all the way north to Coober Pedy. There are heaps of events to choose from – tours, talks, walks, exhibitions, kids’ events, concerts, dinners and more across metropolitan Adelaide and regional areas across the state.

The History Festival is one of South Australia’s largest community events and promotes the State’s wonderful collections, places and stories through an amazing range of history related activities. The Festival, which began in 2004 as SA History Week, has grown each year; becoming a month-long festival which now attracts over 360 different event organisers all around South Australia.

Director of the History Festival, Alison Russell said, ‘This year’s program is our 15th and is our largest yet. We have continued to develop year by year and there has been no slowing down. Our program includes many niche events and we are encouraging everyone to go and be curious.’

A small taste of the many History Festival events on offer:

  • Adelaide ‘Remember When’ Biggest Morning Tea – join in the conversation with Bob Byrne and Keith Conlon as they share their memories of days past in Adelaide over a cuppa; (Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground, Monday 14 May 10-11:30am)
  • Wheal Watkins 1843 Heritage Mine – this above-ground tour about an historic silver-lead mine site is a general introduction to the origins of Cornish mining in South Australia; (Glen Osmond Reserve, Sunday 13 and Saturday 19 May – bookings essential)
  • Kaurna Weaving Workshop – join Kaurna Elders during National Reconciliation Week and learn traditional Kaurna weaving techniques. (Bay Discovery Centre, Glenelg Town Hall, Moseley Square, Wednesday 30 May 10:30am and 1pm – bookings essential)
  • Open Doors – Kick off the 2018 History Festival by exploring some of South Australia’s most interesting places and spaces. Open Doors is your chance to get behind the facades of some built heritage gems with tours, open days, talks and more. (Around South Australia, 28 and 29 April)
  • The Desert Cave: A Masterpiece of Inspiration and Planning – Robert Coro, the mastermind and creative genius of the Desert Cave in Coober Pedy will take us on a journey that began with his father’s dream. (Desert Cave car park, Sunday 29 April 3-5pm)