Words by Alice Beale, Senior Curator, History Trust of SA
More than just providing history enthusiasts with a program of events tailored to their interests, the History Festival also plays an important role for the 300 communit history organisations operating across the state.
The History Festival is an important moment in the community history calendar, to share, celebrate and
highlight their collections and their stories. It provides a focal point for these organisations and gives them a statewide platform for their work, as well as an opportunity to engage with existing and new audiences.
We often look to our national or state institutions to understand the bigger picture of South Australian or Australian history. Nonetheless it is our community history groups that tell an altogether more personal story and hold within their organisations the echoes of everyday life of the individuals, some may say characters, who have shaped their history.
Whether they are telling the story of their town, the diverseness of the communities they belong to, or are dedicated to the memory of a particularly significant part of South Australian history; community history organisations hold in-depth knowledge that may not be represented elsewhere
It shouldn’t be forgotten either that many of these organisations are entirely volunteer led and run. We say this because their work is exceptional across the board, and in acknowledgement of the fact that South Australian community history organisations punch far above their weight.
The passion and commitment that exists for history across the state is fervent and why it is so important that the History Festival works to support this cause. Each year the History Festival presents a new theme as a provocation. This prompts organisations to rediscover or reinterpret an aspect of their collection or history. In 2024 we saw groups rally around the theme of Power, literally and figuratively.
The Mount Torrens and Districts Association held an exhibition that explored the very real impact electricity had on their community when it arrived in 1926. This award-winning exhibition featured personal stories and an interactive display from students at the Mount Torrens Christian school.
The Hahndorf Academy, on the other hand, sought textile pieces from its collection, exploring and honouring textile production throughout history. This thoughtfully curated exhibition paid tribute to and explored the power of the South Australian women who created the works.
The offerings from the Mount Torrens and Districts Association and Hahndorf Academy are two of the many examples of thoughtfully prepared exhibitions, talks, tours, performances, workshops, open days, online and special events offered for everyone’s delight in 2024.
In 2025 the History Festival has embraced Decisions as its defining statement. Decisions, big or small, good or bad, this year the History Festival will tease out the moments of decision that have shaped South Australia, wherever or whenever they have occurred. Our community history organisations with their deep roots in community and wealth of personal stories are bound to have some doozies.
My challenge to you this May, is to look a bit deeper at the events being offered in the 2025 History Festival and make a decision. Decide to travel a bit further, decide to discover something new and decide to be inspired with all that our wonderfully engaging and dedicated community history organisations have to offer.
South Australia’s History Festival is on 1-31 May 2025. More information at festival.history.sa.gov.au or follow @historysa
