1. Image: Archaeological excavation, Queen’s Theatre

    Archaeology

    Although originating with scientists and untrained laymen, archaeology has a distinguished record in South Australia. 

    Historical Subject | By DJ Mulvaney | 1920s, 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s

  2. Image: woman driving horse and buggy in park

    Botanic Park

    Botanic Park has blossomed as a place for informal family gatherings and a venue for public events

    Historical Place | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | Parklands | 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s, 1900-1910, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000-2010, 2010s, 2020s, Aboriginal Country pre-contact

  3. Image: parade of floats watched by crowds lining street

    Centenary Celebrations 1936

    From sporting events to flower festivals and patriotic displays presented by thousands of children, South Australia's Centenary Celebrations emphasised the positive.

    Historical Event | By Margaret Anderson, History Trust of South Australia | 1930s

  4. Image: View of Victoria Square showing motorcars, a motorbike rider and the electric trams navigating the flooded streets through Victoria Square in 1925

    Climate

    Climate was and still is an important factor in how and where South Australia first settled. 

    Historical Subject | By Peter Schwerdtfeger | 1800-1810, 1830s

  5. Image: Black and white photograph of seated man in three quarter profile

    Everard, Dr. Charles

    A physician by training, Charles Everard became a landholder, a farmer and a prominent colonist.

    Historical Person | By Jude Elton and Mandy Paul, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1830s, 1850s, 1860s, 1870s

  6. Image: A long two-storey brick terrace building with three large double height arches and decorative gables. Along the street at the front a number of horse drawn carts are parked.

    East Terrace

    A street in an area of contrasts - the rich, the poor, society figures, outcasts, business, leisure, health and education are associated with East Terrace

    Historical Place | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | East Terrace | 1830s, 1840s, 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s, 1900-1910, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, Aboriginal Country pre-contact, early twenty–first century

  7. Image: A painted head-and-shoulders portrait of a young man with medium-length dark hair wearing early Victorian-era attire

    Angas , George

    Equal parts naturalist and artist, George French Angas depicted the South Australian landscape, Aboriginal inhabitants, and flora and fauna with meticulous accuracy.

    Historical Person | By John Healey | 1840s, 1850s, 1860s

  8. Image: compass

    Historical Relics Collection

    A collection of nearly 400 objects related to the foundation and settlement of the British colony of South Australia. 

    Collection Level Description | 1830s, 1840s, 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s

  9. Kaurna language team 2013

    Kaurna language (Kaurna warra)

    Kaurna, the original language of Adelaide and the Adelaide Plains, is once again being heard.

    Historical Subject | By Rob Amery | Aboriginal Country pre-contact, early nineteenth century, early twentieth century, early twenty–first century, late nineteenth century, late twentieth century, mid nineteenth century

  10. Ivarityi

    Kaurna People

    The original people of the Adelaide Plains are still here - and once again speaking the Kaurna language.

    Historical Subject | By Lewis Yerloburka O'Brien & Mandy Paul | Aboriginal Country pre-contact, early nineteenth century, early twentieth century, early twenty–first century, late nineteenth century, late twentieth century, mid nineteenth century, mid twentieth century

  11. Image: Narisha Cash's Ngadlu Padninthi Kamanka mural (2017)

    Ngadlu Padninthi Kamangka (We Walk Together) mural

    Narisha Cash's mural acknowledges and celebrates the Kaurna people as the traditional owners and custodians of Adelaide and the Adelaide plains. 

    Historical Thing | By Catherine Barron, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 2010s, Aboriginal Country pre-contact, early twenty–first century

  12. Image: wooden box with two open drawers

    Paint Box

    This paint box is believed to have belonged to soldier, public servant and explorer, Captain Charles Sturt.

    Collection Item | 1800-1810, 1830s, 1840s

  13. Image: tin cup

    Pannikin

    Pannikin used by William Keckwick on expedition with John McDouall Stuart.

    Collection Item | 1860s

  14. Image: wooden post inscribed 'South Australia'

    Poeppel's Corner Post

    Wooden post used to mark the point where the boundaries of South Australia the Northern Territory and Queensland meet.

    Collection Item | 1870s, 1880s

  15. Image: close-up of inside surfaces of the touchstone.

    Reconciliation Touchstone

    The red granite sculpture captures the plaster imprints of 64 handshakes made at a Reconciliation Week ceremony in 2006. 

    Historical Thing | By Catherine Barron, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 2000-2010, Aboriginal Country pre-contact, early twenty–first century

  16. Image: Four men and a woman in university graduation attire sit on chairs and pose for a photograph

    Science

    Before and after the arrival of Europeans, Aboriginal peoples had a well-developed cultural understanding and practical knowledge of plants, animal behaviour, local geology and meteorological conditions. Information they provided was frequently vital to the success – and even survival – of early European navigators and explorers.

    Historical Subject | By Pauline Payne | Aboriginal Country pre-contact, early nineteenth century, early twentieth century, early twenty–first century, late nineteenth century, late twentieth century, mid nineteenth century, mid twentieth century

  17. Image: Blue and gold embroidered smoking cap

    Smoking Cap

    Smoking cap owned and worn by John McDouall Stuart.

    Collection Item | 1850s

  18. Image: printing press

    Stanhope Press

    The Stanhope press brought to Holdfast Bay in 1836 was used to print the Proclamation of South Australia. 

    Collection Item | 1830s

  19. Image: survey chain

    Survey Chain

    Survey chain used by Isaac Guley in surveying the City of Adelaide with Colonel Light.

    Collection Item | Central Market, East Terrace, Hindley Street, North Terrace, Northwest corner, Parklands, River Torrens, Rundle Mall, Rundle Street east, Southeast corner, Southwest corner | 1830s

  20. Image: People walking and others fishing with hand rods from a wooden jetty

    Tourism

    The South Australian Tourism Commission, established in 1993, focuses on marketing South Australia as a tourist destination to interstate and overseas markets.

    Historical Subject | By Lyn Leader-Elliot | North Terrace, Parklands | 1880s, 1900-1910, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000-2010

  21. Image: trees in from of a building with tall tower

    Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga

    Victoria Square, named after Princess Victoria (later Queen Victoria) in 1836, is the central and most significant of Adelaide’s squares.

    Historical Place | By Owen Hems | Central Market | Aboriginal Country pre-contact, early nineteenth century, early twentieth century, early twenty–first century, late nineteenth century, late twentieth century, mid nineteenth century, mid twentieth century

  22. Image: Darryl Pfitzner Malika's Yerrakartarta, 2018.

    Yerrakartarta

    At the time of its installation in 1995, Yerrakartarta was the largest public commission of Aboriginal artwork in Australia. 

    Historical Thing | North Terrace | 1990s, Aboriginal Country pre-contact, late twentieth century