Audio on demand

Sylvia Schaffarczyk reconstructs the history of the Official Papuan collection at the National Museum of Australia and examines Australian collecting in Papua during a key period in the development of anthropology and Australia’s colonial interests.

Curator David Kaus provides an overview of the Aboriginal material in the National Museum of Australia’s National Historical Collection.

Six expert speakers – each involved with shaping the National Historical Collection over time – reflect on their personal experiences with the National Museum of Australia in a discussion with curator Kirsten Wehner.

Libby Robin tells the story of the zoological specimens, collected by Sir Colin MacKenzie, that were among the first objects in the National Museum of Australia’s National Historical Collection.

The history of the Springfield collection, more than 2000 objects from a major rural property near Sydney, is outlined by registrar Carol Cooper. She explores the remarkable family who cared for it and the Museum’s work to make this collection available.

Curator Guy Hansen traces the history of the National Museum’s National Historical Collection. He argues that the collection is eclectic – that there is no single story but many stories, with various collectors bringing different perspectives.