Throughout May in South Australia, history and heritage lovers, collectors and enthusiasts gather in city streets, local museums, community halls, pubs, cemeteries and historic homes to be a part of South Australia’s History Festival.

First celebrated as ‘SA History Week’ in 2004, it grew to become a month-long event back in 2011.

Presented by the History Trust of South Australia, this state-wide celebration of discovery now reaches upwards of 150,000 event participants every year.

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.

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, the 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.

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.

Program highlights

Throughout the History Festival program are events and experiences that invite South Australians and visitors alike to reflect on South Australia’s past and consider our shared future.

This year’s History Festival kicks off with the opening night event on 28 April. ‘A lawyer, a journalist, an artist – and a historian walk into a bar …’ is hosted by the History Trust of South Australia. The event features a panel of prominent South Australian professionals as they share the stage on Kaurna land at the Woodville Town Hall to debate the case for history in volatile times. Seats are limited for this one-night-only event. Bookings at https://historyfestival.sa.gov.au

For architecture and heritage enthusiasts, the History Festival includes Open Doors in partnership with the Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card—a special program of exploring heritage buildings and architectural history, with walks, talks and events that take you inside some of our fascinating built heritage including many that are usually closed to the public. The places where we live, work and play hold many stories – both ancient and modern – hidden within the landscape. Start your Open Doors journey at https://festival.history.sa.gov.au/events/focus-programs/open-doors/

The First Nations program features the important stories that help us to reimagine reconciliation with walks, talks, exhibitions and events across the state from Beltana to Barmera. National Reconciliation Week happens each year from 27 May to 3 June and as part of the History Festival a Kaurna Walk: Reimagining Reconciliation will take place on Sunday 29 May. More First Nations events can be found at https://festival.history.sa.gov.au/events/focus-programs/first-nations

History Festival events are not just for grown-ups! There are plenty of activities designed just for kids as well as events suitable for the whole family. The Family Friendly program has activities for all ages, from concert bands, rail festivals and hands-on history, even tracking our steps to the moon! Check out:  https://festival.history.sa.gov.au/events/focus-programs/family-friendly/

South Australia is one of the most diverse multicultural communities in the country, and this is celebrated in the From Many Places program, featuring cultural heritage walks, exhibitions and plenty of music and dancing, representing South Australian communities from all over the world who have made our state home. You can learn more about SA’s community events at https://festival.history.sa.gov.au/events/focus-programs/from-many-places

The Rainbow History program brings together the stories of our LGBTIQA+ communities, with events, lectures, exhibitions and tours featuring stories that have impacted all South Australians. This year marks some significant events in our past including the drowning of Dr George Duncan in 1972 – an event that saw South Australian social law reform that influenced the rest of the country. Find the Rainbow History at https://festival.history.sa.gov.au/events/focus-programs/rainbow-history

Photo: Sea Shanties, SA Maritime Museum. Jiayuan Liang, SA History Festival 2021.

South Australia’s History Festival runs from 1 to 31 May 2022

Full program available now from Foodland Supermarkets, local libraries, community centres and registered venues and at historyfestival.sa.gov.au.


Check out the other History Festival content in WeekendPlus: