South Australians are encouraged to reimagine and renew connections with their history, to get out and about in this great state, explore the familiar and the lesser known – and be challenged to discover what makes South Australia unique. Reflecting on the past two years of a global pandemic, this year’s History Festival explores the stories we tell, the lessons we take from the past – and how this might help us shape and re-imagine our future.
Presented by the History Trust of South Australia, South Australia’s History Festival is one of the state’s largest open-access community events. The month-long festival is returning for its 18th year in May 2022, and for the first time ever you can get a sneak peek of what is on offer through the virtual program launch on Thursday 7 April.
History Trust CEO, Greg Mackie OAM said,
“Every year a groundswell of community support and enthusiasm for our state’s rich history sees thousands of South Australians volunteer to make the History Festival a success. With around 500 events registered across South Australia, by some 350 event organisers, this year’s festival offers the macabre to the fascinating, the shocking to the heart-warming – and everything in between”.
“We are thrilled to present another History Festival for the people of South Australia and invite all to make time to discover and embrace the rich history that this state has to offer.”
“This year’s theme of reimagine honours both our unique history and the many people across our state who keep local stories alive. Like always, the range of events are incredible, and with around 80 per cent of events being free, there is no excuse to not get out and explore our fascinating culture,” continued Greg.
“We are encouraging everyone to join us for the for the official program launch virtually on Thursday 7 April from 7pm, a partnership with community television station Channel 44. Tune in on the night through South Australia’s History Festival Facebook page or Channel 44. Then pick up your hardcopy program from April 8 through your local Foodland Supermarket, an iconic business with a unique ‘Mighty South Aussie’ history,” Greg concluded.
The 30-minute program virtual launch will feature appearances from Uncle Mickey O’Brien, Senior Kaurna man, Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, Sandy Verschoor, the Right Honourable Lord Mayor, City of Adelaide, Elizabeth Ho OAM, Chair, History Trust of South Australia, and Greg Mackie OAM, CEO, History Trust of South Australia.
The 2022 program will include:
- Holden Heritage Bus Tour – Bus tour of General Motors-Holden sites in the greater Adelaide area.
- A Taste of Wine History – Immerse yourself in tastes and tales of eight different South Australian wineries.
- Letters to a Galaxy Far, Far Away – Renowned space historian and writer Kerrie Dougherty speaks on space travel, communications and Star Wars.
- Remembering Vietnam – 50 Years On – Two-course lunch followed by a talk with Vietnam Veterans.
- Open Doors – Provides the opportunity to get inside some of the state’s most interesting places and spaces that are usually closed to the public, through a range of talks and tours.
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Exhibition and Her Majesty’s Theatre Talk and Tour – A special talk and tour of the Rock ‘n’ Roll exhibition capturing Adelaide’s pub rock scene.
- Penfolds 1844 for Evermore History Tour and Lunch Experience – Go beyond the cellar door and listen to historical stories while visiting underground drives, vintage cellars and other hidden gems at Magill Estate.
- The Fort by Lamplight – A program of military drill, cannon, and musketry fire bringing the 19th-century fort to life.
- Glenelg Air-Raid Shelter Open Day – Explore the shelter built during WWII. The shelter was one of seven constructed in Adelaide and formed part of a communication network.
The History Festival will also be celebrating and commemorating special anniversaries in 2022 including:
- The 50th Anniversary of Dr George Duncan’s death – 50 Years on…We Will Remember Him! Join Dr Gertrude Glossip on a tour as she details the drowning of Dr George Duncan in 1972 and the unsuccessful attempts to solve the crime.
- North v Glenelg – SANFL Round 6 1922 Centenary Rematch – A football match celebrating 100 years since North Adelaide first played Glenelg at Prospect Oval.
- 150 Years of the Adelaide General Post Office – Display of photographs and philately of the post offices in the city of Adelaide.
The History Festival is proud to be partnering with iconic South Australian supermarket chain Foodland, celebrating their 60th birthday in 2022.
Free copies of the full program will be available from all Foodland Supermarkets across South Australia, as well as local libraries, community centres and registered venues from Friday 8 April.
The program will also be available online and updated daily:
