SA History Festival
South Australia’s History Festival is an annual statewide event exploring South Australia’s history. Held throughout May each year, the History Festival explores the state’s places and spaces, as well as the stories, collections and ideas that make us who we are.
At the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, we have a rich heritage, and much of our identity is derived from our unique and historic places and spaces that create a sense of place for our residents and destination for visitors. Our City is filled with landscapes and places that are of importance to the local Kaurna community
The 2024 SA History Festival gives us the chance to explore and learn more about the spaces and places that make us who we are today. The program includes special opportunities to visit heritage sites and places that are usually not accessible by the public. We have organised some great treats for all history buffs during May this year, including guided walks, exhibitions and talks in our Libraries.
The below list covers all of the opportunities in venues and spaces around PAE - bookings are essential for many events so click the links to find out more.
Exhibitions
Images of Crime in Port Adelaide
Visitor Information Centre,
66 Commercial Rd, Port AdelaideEver wondered about the life a criminal in the early 20th century? Learn about the people incarcerated in Port Adelaide in the early 20th century in this fascinating display of newly digitised criminal records.
Dates:
1-31 MayTimes:
10am-5pmTrailblazers of Justice: Unveiling the Power of Women in Policing
Visitor Information Centre,
66 Commercial Rd, Port AdelaideUncover the inspiring stories of trailblazing female police officers who defied norms, broke barriers, and left an indelible mark on law enforcement. This captivating exhibition will honor the legacy of these pioneering women and their enduring impact on our community.
Dates:
1-31 MayTimes:
10am-5pm
Guided Tours
Guided Port Adelaide Walk
Departing from the Visitor Information Centre,
66 Commercial Rd, Port AdelaideEnjoy a guided walk around historic Port Adelaide with a passionate local. Let them take you back to the mid 1800s and learn what life was like for the early settlers and how it came to be that Port Adelaide was dubbed 'Port Misery'.
Dates:
Various during MayKaurna walking tour
Leaving from the Folklore Café,
The Annex, via Mundy St, Port AdelaideJoin this walking tour with Margaret Brodie who shares the pre-colonial history of the Port River and her own Lartelare Family Story. Margaret will explore the changing landscape and her Aboriginal ancestors who have called the Port their home for generations.
Dates:
Sunday 19 MayTimes:
11.30am
Special Events
Ships Ahoy!
Semaphore Library,
14 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore
Port Library,
2 – 4 Church Street, Port AdelaideJoin us for a nautical Story Time at Port Adelaide or Semaphore Library. Children aged 2 – 5 years will enjoy stories, songs and crafts that introduce them to the rich shipping history of the Port.
Dates:
Various datesTimes:
10.30am
Talks
Beyond the Scone
Port Adelaide Library,
2 – 4 Church St, Port Adelaide.Using soft power, the CWA works with government, organisations and businesses to advocate for change. Join us to hear Ila Neighbour and Shirly Frawley share the power and the passion of the women of the CWA.
Dates:
Saturday 18 MayTimes:
2.30-3.30pmEscaping Yatala
Visitor Information Centre,
66 Commercial Rd, Port AdelaideThe Yatala Labour prison, formerly known as the Stockade, opened in 1854. Since that time, prisoners have been seeking early release under their own terms. Dr Barry Blundell, APM, a retired Detective Senior Sergeant, presents stories about escapes from the gaol in its first 100 years, including the many ingenious escapes of William Digby, the escapes of Ernest Richards and the unbelievable ‘Battle of Enfield’.
Dates:
Friday 10 and 24 MayTimes:
1pmFrom Darkness into Light: The Power of Visibility!
Port Adelaide Library,
2 – 4 Church Street, Port AdelaideHomosexuality and gender diversity had a history of being marginalised, hidden, closeted, discreet and illegal for so many people. The ‘out and proud’ liberation movement from the 1970s to the present then brought achievements that continue to have an impact. Join us to hear Dr Gertrude Glossip PhD (Formal Drapery) Curtain University reflect on the significance of the experiences and history of this fascinating aspect of our Port history.
Dates:
Saturday 4 MayTimes:
2.30-3.30pmOrganised Power
Port Adelaide Library,
2 – 4 Church St, Port Adelaide.In 1928 Port Adelaide’s wharfies were caught up in a violent strike that was caused by a federal award for waterside workers. After three weeks the strike failed and years of bitterness followed. Join us to hear Brett Larkin talk about this fascinating chapter of our Port history.
Dates:
Saturday 25 MayTimes:
2.30-3.30pmThe Power of Storytelling
Port Adelaide Library,
2 – 4 Church St, Port AdelaideThere is much to learn from the lived experience of migrants in South Australia’s hostels. Join us to hear Professor Rachel Ankeny share the power of story in navigating new beginnings.
Dates:
Sunday 12 MayTimes:
2.30-3.30pm
Workshops
Find Your Story - Group workshop
Port Adelaide Library,
2 – 4 Church St, Port Adelaide.Do you want to research your family history but are not sure where to start? Our hands-on workshop will get you started on documenting your journey. We'll work with you to access billions of genealogy records. Computer access will be provided. Please bring a USB to save your research.
Dates:
Saturday 11 MayTimes:
2.30pmFind Your Story Sessions
Port Adelaide Library,
2 – 4 Church St, Port AdelaideDo you want to research your family history but are not sure where to start? We are offering individual sessions to help you learn how to explore the Ancestry Library edition and other resources and document your research.
Dates:
Various dates in May