Audio on demand

In this National Press Club address Andrew Sayers talks about how the ideas that have shaped us as a nation, and continue to shape our thinking, can be illuminated and debated in the National Museum of Australia.

Audio courtesy of the National Press Club.

Curator Guy Hansen and passionate royal memorabilia collector Professor Peter Spearritt discuss Australia’s fascination with royalty and then showcase five items belonging to collectors from the audience.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

Join comedian Rod Quantock, historians and other writers for an entertaining, provocative and controversial look at Australia’s best-loved symbols – from the quirky to the official, and those with the power to make a nation.

Conservator David Hallam and curator Guy Hansen discuss the process of restoring the Royal Daimler.