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In 1974 a committee, to be chaired by Peter Pigott, was set up to inquire into the state of museums in Australia and in particular the development of small country museums. Anne-Marie will talk about her research into the Pigott committee records.

Museums and kindred institutions that are serious about reflecting human life are often compelled to confront the dark side of human experience we might prefer not to face. But if we are to be truthful, we must do so.

Discussion amongst the panellists and questions from the audience. Museum curators and researchers with experience representing traumatic experiences in museums share their expertise.

The Canning Stock Route, combined with the concept of Walyja (family), acts as a prism through which it is possible to trace both the human and the subsequent artistic movements that characterised the far Western Desert region in the 20th century.

Roslyn Russell takes us on a journey through the history of Barbados, from its first parliament in 1639, through the dark days of slavery to the present days. Learn why, with its rich history and culture, Barbados is certainly ‘more than a beach’.

Professor Penny Sackett opens the Exploration and Endeavour: The Royal Society of London and the South Seas exhibition to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Royal Society, the world’s oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.

James Gardner discusses museum responses to the spontaneous memorials following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US. He looks at tensions between memorialising, collecting and interpreting historic events. Also forthcoming in Grassroots Memorials.

Ms Orla Tunney from the Embassy of Ireland in Canberra launched Sinners, Saints and Settlers: A journey through Irish Australia, a book co-authored by Dr Richard Reid of the National Museum of Australia and photographer Brendon Kelson.

This forum, sponsored by Museums Australia ACT branch, outlines the multimedia used in the National Museum of Australia’s Yiwarra Kuju: The Canning Stock Route exhibition as part of a broader discussion on the future of museum multimedia.

Rod Fitzroy discusses how it’s a little bit of good luck and a lot of good management that has delivered for a century and a half an annual event that so commands the attention of the whole nation as does the Melbourne Cup.