South Australian Museum (GRG46)

Agency History and Background

A detailed account of The First Hundred Years of the South Australian Museum, 1856-1956, was published in the 'Records of the South Australian Museum', Vol.XII, 18 June 1956 by Herbert Hale, a former Director.

What follows is an attempt to extrapolate functions, activities, and related events of the museum's administrative history from its inception until the present and to map them chronologically. Legislation, gazettes, board reports and papers, annual reports, correspondence and newspapers have been consulted. As the Museum did not gain its independence from the Institute, Public Library and Art Gallery until 1940, legislative amendments impacting directly upon the Museum have been indicated.

PRE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY 1834-1853

The 1855-6 Act was developed in response to early attempts in the colony to maintain societies that were often short lived primarily due to financial constraints. Quite often, excessive subscription fees that precluded the working class allowed for only small memberships. A selection of societies and related events that contributed to the formation of a museum administered by government are listed as follows:

1834 The genesis of a South Australian Museum originated in London with the foundation of the South Australian Literary Association on 29 August 1834. Its purpose was 'the cultivation and diffusion of useful knowledge throughout the colony by all means which may lie in its power'. The object of the society was to satisfy intellectual pursuits such as literature, arts, history and natural science, as the physical and religious necessities had already been accounted for. Three months later the society was renamed the South Australian Literary and Scientific Association.

1837 On 5 July, Colonial Secretary Robert Gouger appointed William Wyatt Honorary Colonial Naturalist.

1838 Once the colony was established, the British Museum requested that Lord Glenelg instruct Governor Hindmarsh to make available specimens of natural history for deposit and exhibition. A brief Code of Directions for the Collectors of Natural History was developed by the British Museum officers for those inexperienced in the selection and preservation of mineralogical, zoological and botanical specimens. The 'directions' were published in parts in the South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register [SAG&CR].

The Adelaide Literary Society was established and formally opened by the Honourable JH Fisher on 21 August 1838. The first shipment of books from the London Society was unfortunately damaged when the Tam O'Shanter was wrecked.

In November 1838 'a few gentlemen [were] desirous of forming a Society on the basis of the Linnean and Geological Societies of London, for the cultivation of the various departments of Natural History and the formation of a Museum especially of indigenous productions of South Australia'. The Natural History Society was formed on a Thursday evening, 13 December of the same year. Officers of the Society were able to receive donations of books and specimens for the proposed library and museum. George Gawler was elected president and C.A. Wilson the first entomologist. At its inaugural meeting the Colonial and Society Treasurer, Osmond Gilles donated a 50x70 feet block in Hurtle Square to construct a suitable building. The register of granted lots in the City of Adelaide Town Sections, allocates lots 494 and 519 to Gilles. These two frontage blocks are still vacant in 1852.

In 1838 private agents such as Messrs Light, Finnis & Co were advertising in the SAG&CR to purchase 'specimens of the Natural History and Natural Productions of South Australia, to be accompanied if possible with written descriptions' from naturalists as well as 'a complete set of implements of war and of the chase used by the Aborigines in the different districts'. It is not clear whether the collected specimens remained in the colony or were shipped overseas.

1839 The Deputy Storekeeper for the Colonization Commissioners, Mr Williams, received a 'collection of weapons and instruments used by the Natives in the neighbourhood; from JB Harvey Esq [Collector of Customs] collections of shells from Kangaroo Island, for the Colonisation Commissioners and for the Museum at Adelaide: and from J Gould Esq FLS a Synopsis of the Birds of Australia in four parts, for the Adelaide Museum.' Unfortunately the records of the Public Stores for that period are no longer extant. The listed specimens are not registered with the South Australian Museum today.

On 12 September, John Menge, a geologist, made up a series of collections of rocks, minerals, gems and metals discovered within the ranges of the province with a view to promote the geology of South Australia.

1853 The Adelaide Philosophical Society was formed and was later called the Royal Society of South Australia. The Society was influential in establishing a public institution that would comprise a Public Library and Museum.

MUSEUM LEGISLATIVE HISTORY 1856 - present

'An Act to establish and incorporate an institution to be called 'The South Australian Institute'' (No. 16 of 1855-6). Assented 18 June.

The Act (developed in the same year South Australia established its constitution, see No. 2 of 1855-6) provides for the incorporation of a public library and museum. Its purpose is 'to improve and elevate the mental and moral condition of such persons as may come within the influence of such societies respectively'. The Act promotes 'the general study and cultivation of all or any of the branches or departments of art, science, literature, and philosophy' through lectures and classes and also unite cultural societies under one Institution. Societies such as The South Australian Library and Mechanics' Institute could make gifts to the South Australian Institute (SAI), use its facilities, and contribute a set sum for the working expenses. Societies could also retain their own constitution and make their own bylaws subject to the provisions of the Act. The public is admitted gratis to the Institute Museum on the same terms as the library.

A Board of Governors is appointed and made a body corporate. The Board is responsible for:

- public revenue, buildings and land
- making bylaws, constitutions & ordinances
- policy and procedures
- appointment of public servants and determining their salaries; and
- allocation of the annual budget.

When the 1856 Act was passed the Library & Mechanics Institute, situated in Neales' Exchange slightly south of Gresham Place in King William Street, became the rented headquarters of the South Australian Institute until 1860.

The South Australian Institute Schedules of Statutes and Rules are amended so that the public could be admitted to the museum on similar terms to the reading room except that the museum would only be open from noon til dusk.

Report by the Board of Governors regarding the progress of the Museum. 'They have procured from England a supply of articles necessary for the preparation of specimens, and they have intimated to the Curator [Mr Frederick George Waterhouse] that they wish him to commence operations as soon as he can. The amount which can be devoted to this purpose at present is not large, and the Board fear that the formation of a museum will not proceed very rapidly in the first instance; but they trust that when a commencement is once made, and some degree of public interest excited in the matter, that amount may be increased. They believe that there are many persons in Adelaide and the colony generally who have not subscribed hitherto, and who might not have thought it worth while to do so for the sake of the library, but who would gladly assist in the formation of a museum. Should this hope prove to be well grounded they may at the end of another year have a more satisfactory statement to make on this subject.'

The SAI moves from Neales' Exchange to its current location on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.

On 29 January 1861, Sir Charles Cooper officially opens the South Australian Institute at an inaugural soiree. The Museum opens in the large room on the East side of the first floor. A collection of 'both English and colonial stuffed birds, shells, weapons and other curiosities from New Caledonia, Fiji and China etc' is on display.

Frederick George Waterhouse solicits exchanges of duplicates with other museums.

Petition from South Australian Institute No. 126

A petition is filed requesting funding 'to retain the services of a competent curator, meet the expenditure for the collection and mounting of specimens, the purchase of mineralogical and other specimens from England and elsewhere, the provision of suitable cases and other contingencies'.

'An Act to consolidate and amend laws relating to district councils and for other purposes.' (No. 43 of 1876)
Councils are able to set aside land for public use.

At a meeting of the Joint Committee appointed by the South Australian Institute Board of Governors and the Council of Adelaide University on 9 December the motion to increase the membership of the Board of Governors by two to include representatives from the Council of Adelaide University with a view to forming a National Museum and Library was unanimously carried. The motion was legislated in 1879.

On 7 November the foundation stone for the Jervois wing is laid after two previous failed attempts. The original plan provided for a quadrangle of buildings where the Natural History Museum would be situated in the North wing.

'An Act to consolidate and amend the laws relating to municipal corporations within the province of South Australia and for other purposes relating thereto'. (No. 190 of 1880). Corporations are able to set aside land for public use.

1882 The Museum is finally removed from the Institute building to its new premises.

On 17 January the Curator, Wilhelm Haacke, submits a special report to the Board of Governors recommending that the position of Curator be changed to Director and that the South Australian Institute Museum be renamed South Australian Museum as the name was too long and therefore impracticable and not 'particularly handsome'. Only the first recommendation is approved.

1883 On 25 April, the Museum Director, Wilhelm Haacke, submits a special report clarifying the working relationship between the Museum Director and Museum servants (employees). Haacke makes the following suggestions:
- that all order and instructions to Museum servants be made through the Director
- that all applications of Museum servants to the Board be made through the Director; and
- that the Taxidermist and the Collectors report monthly to the Director on the specimens they have prepared or collected, with reports to be included in the Directors monthly report to the Board.

On 4 May Robert Kay, Secretary, South Australian Institute issued 'General Regulations for conduct of Museum business' as follows:
- All orders and instructions for the officers of the Museum must be issued through the Director
- All applications from the officers of the Museum to the Board must be made to the Director
- the Taxidermist and the Collectors must make monthly reports to the Director, of the specimens which they have respectively preserved or collected during the past month. Such reports to be embodied by the Director in his monthly reports to the Museum Committee; and
- Written orders, on the printed forms contained in the Museum Order Book, must be issued for all articles required for the Museum. Such orders to be numbered and dated, & signed by the Director or in his absence the Assistant Curator & Taxidermist. The counterfoil of each order to be initialled by the person who requests it.

On 18 December, the Museum Director, South Australian Institute, submits a special report recommending that a scientific journal be published under the auspices of the Museum. The journal should have an international flavour, containing descriptions, anatomy, classification of new species including those by 'competent' specialists receiving South Australian specimens for identification, methods of preservation adopted by the Museum and apparatus used for mounting specimens. The proposed journal would be a valuable and trustworthy source for the publication of 'popular' periodicals and books on the natural history of South Australia.

1884 'An Act to provide for the establishment and incorporation of the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery, and to consolidate and amend Laws relating to Institutes, and for other purposes.' (No. 296 of 1883-4) Assented 28 February.

The South Australian Institute is renamed the Public Library, Art Gallery and Museum and is governed by a joint Board under the Minister for Education. The Act could be cited as the 'Public Library. Museum and Art Gallery Act, 1883-4'.

The Board increased its members to 16 and could repeal, alter and reenact rules and regulations for the following purposes:

- conduct of their own proceedings
- management of the affairs of the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery
-admission, exclusion or expulsion of the public or any individual to and from the Library, Museum and Art Gallery
-specifying conditions and restrictions upon the public
- the most effectual use of pictures, exhibits, coins, medals, mineral specimens, curiosities, objects of natural history, works of art, books, maps, manuscripts, documents, pamphlets or papers for the purposes of public education and enjoyment
- prescribing the conditions and method upon and by which the advantages heretofore extended by the SAI to Institutes may be continued
- fixing penalties for any breach of any rule or regulation authorised to be made by this Act, not exceeding the sum of ten pounds for any offence
- such other purposes as the governor by Proclamation in the Government Gazette may allow; and
- generally for carrying into effect the objects of this Act.

The Act also applies the 1878 Copyright Act.

At its meeting on 15 August, the Board appoints five standing committees: Museum, Fine Arts, Library, Building and House and Finance. Later in 1885 the Country etc and Institutes committee is appointed.

On 18 December the new Jervois Building (west wing) is formally opened. The Museum moves to the northern half of the building.

'An Act to amend the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery Act, 1883-4, The District Councils Act, 1876, No. 43, The Municipal Corporation Act, 1880, No. 190, and for other purposes. (No. 341 of 1885)

The Act increases Board's power to:

- appoint, employ, suspend and dismiss servants
- pay salaries;
- affiliate other bodies; and
- receive and dispose of their monies.

1892 In May construction of the red brick North wing commences and is completed by early 1893. The North wing is designed by the architect Mr Owen and built by Mr Gregg. The building, cases and internally fittings cost approximately 11,000 pounds. On 10 November 1892 the Museum closes to relocate its collections.

1895 On Saturday, 12 January, the Museum is opened by the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency, the Earl of Kintore. Invited gentlemen are able to bring one Lady to a conversazione from 8-10pm, the library doors opening at 7.30pm. Invited guests are able to enter the Museum through the Library after proceedings.

Honorable Chief Justice reported that the museum was scientifically arranged 'beginning with the lowest forms of organic life - with the invertebrates and carrying us on through each succeeding gradation to the highest-it is a great object lesson of the ascent of man'. The displays were opened incomplete without labels. Some collections could not be displayed such as the Egyptian or coins due to space constraints. Both of these collections were later transferred to the Art Gallery. A Technology Museum was still very much a concept at this time.

'An Act to amend the Municipal Corporations Act, 1890. And for other purposes' (No 833 of 1903).
This act increases the powers and duties of Municipal Corporations to provide 'pleasure grounds, libraries, museums, and places of public resort and recreation'.

'An Act to further amend the Law relating to Institutes'. (No 937 of 1907)
Institutes are able to buy, sell or mortgage real estate under the control of the Minister of Education.

1909 'An act to consolidate and amend the Laws as to the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, the Adelaide Circulating Library, and Institutes; to incorporate and regulate the Institutes Association of South Australia; and for other purposes' (No. 986 of 1909).

Consolidations and amendments enables the Board to:

- continue the capability of suing and being sued
- accept gifts and bequests
- receive, take or purchase works of art etc whilst the Governor can only approve sale or exchange of works etc
- lend and borrow works of art etc
- continue appointing staff and pay their salaries
- affiliate with listed societies but not institutes
- control money granted by parliament for the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and affiliated societies but not the institutes
- make regulations; and
- transfer the school of design, painting and technical art to the Education Department.

1910 The following rules and regulations for the management of the Museum are made on 21 October and gazetted 1 December:

- the Museum shall be open to the public on week days (Christmas Day and Good Friday excluded) free of charge between the hours of 10.00am and 5pm and on Sundays between 2 and 5pm but the Board may close the museum or part thereof any time
- children shall not be admitted unless under the care of an adult
- no dog shall be permitted
- no person shall smoke in the museum
- no person who is not decently attired and sober shall be permitted
- no person shall take refreshments into the museum or sit upon the stairs
- no person shall touch specimens, exhibit or cases
- no person shall use offensive, profane or indecent language or behave in an indecent or offensive manner, or conduct themselves that would interfere with the peace and good order or comfort of any visitor
- any breach of rules will be charged up to 20 pounds; and
- General Secretary or officer may expel any person.

Regulations for the conduct of business and proceedings of the Board are made 17 March and gazetted 30 March.

The Museum occupies some rooms of the eastern wing, freeing space in the Jervois wing.

Rules and Regulations for the management of the Museum are made on 15 May and Gazetted 16 July as in 1910 above amending rule 1 so that times of opening were to be determined by the Board and not prescribed.

The east wing officially opens 8 December containing a Natural History and Art Museum.

1917 Edgar Waite, the Museum Director, submits a proposal to the Board for the museum to issue a scientific journal in parts that would then form a volume. One hundred pounds was made available from the Morgan Thomas Bequest for the publication of the Records of the South Australian Museum'.

The first part of the Records of the South Australian Museum is published on 24 May.

'An Act to amend the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery, and Institutes Act, 1909, and for other purposes.' (No. 1506 of 1922).
The amendment allows for any person convicted of unlawfully damaging, mutilating, destroying or removing from the Board any picture, print, exhibit, coin, medal, mineral, specimen, curiosity, object of natural history, object or work of art, book, map, manuscript, document, pamphlet, paper or other chattel in the possession of the Board to pay the full value of the item/s as well as any penalty. The total amount recoverable shall not exceed 500 pounds. The Board can offer a reward for any information.

1926 The Anthropological Society of South Australia is established.

The Board for Anthropological Research is established at the University of Adelaide after a 1925 anthropological expedition to Wilgena. The Museum participates in expeditions.

The Museum Director, Herbert Hale, raises the question of talks to school children in the Museum with the cooperation of the Department of Education.

The Museum Director, Herbert Hale, recommends the use of the Children's Library for Museum lectures and experiments by scientific staff 1 hour per month based on an American model.

A report on the recommendations made by the International Committee of Intellectual Co-operation is submitted to the Museum Committee for comment. The Museum Committee raises the issue that no international law exists to preserve archaeological and art objects in their country of origin and protect exchanges of objects with other nations and the preservation. The transfer of sale, exchange, or deposits of objects should be made through their National Museum.

'An Act to consolidate and amend certain Acts relating to Municipal Corporations and District Councils, and to amend various other Acts.' (No. 2156 of 1934)
As in Act No. 833 of 1903, the Councils are empowered to construct and provide museums and to provide any furniture, fittings, equipment, or apparatus to be used in connection therewith, including cinematograph apparatus.

1936 The Museum Director, Herbert Hale, instructs the scientific staff to keep brief diaries of their work, following comments made in the Auditor General's report.

A Carnegie grant is received for the development of Educational Services.
The Museum Director, Herbert Hale, reports on the Western Australian Museum model for a Children's Museum.

On 12 May Principals from the Education Department are invited to a preliminary preview of the new Children's Museum.

'An Act to provide for the control of the State Museum at Adelaide, and for other purposes'. (No. 30 of 1939)

The South Australian Institute Museum is renamed the South Australian Museum. The Museum becomes a Department continuing under the Minister of Education gaining its independence from the Public Library and Art Gallery. The Director is made a permanent head. The Act was made operational in February 1940.

The Board consisting of 5 members has the following responsibilities:

- care and control of the Museum, its land and premises;
- care and control of all exhibits and other personal property
- receive, take, or purchase any exhibit or personal property
- sell or exchange any such exhibit or personal property
- receive and apply monies from Parliament for the purposes of the museum but not for salaries and wages of the offices and servants now subject to the Public Service Act 1936-8
- application of gifts and bequests to the museum for the purpose in which they were made
- receive payment for any exhibit or chattel that has been damaged, mutilated, destroyed or removed and impose penalties for any conviction
- offer reward for information; and
- make recommendations to the Governor for regulations to:
- conduct the business and proceedings of the Board;
- manage the Museum;
- admit, exclude and expel any member of the public or individual
- specify restrictions and conditions for the examination of exhibits by the public;
- use exhibits for education and enjoyment; and
- fix penalties for any breach not exceeding 20 pounds for one offence.

The Museum Director, Herbert Hale, requests that the Department of Education provide teachers.

Scientific curators are permitted to reply and supply information provided all letters are presented unsealed for the Director's initial and that the correspondence does not concern the granting of loans or exchanges, the acceptances of gifts; or does not concern policy. Director's decision on the classification of correspondence is final.

Regulations relating to visitors are gazetted 28 March.

A resolution of the Board is made regarding the sending of collections of Natural History Specimens to experts for identification and naming.

Corporate seal of shield with boomerang is authorised.

Museum Board co-operates with the Education Department in supplying teaching specimens.

School classes are discontinued because of the War.

School classes are dealt with by the Museum and some teachers conduct the students in galleries. Facilities are provided by the Museum for visual education.

'An Act to provide for the Protection of Aboriginal and Historic Relics in South Australia'. (No. 33 of 1965). Assented to 9 December and proclaimed 3 August 1967.

Museum Director becomes Protector of Relics and the Minister of Education administers the role and function.

The Friends of the South Australian Museum (FOSAM) is established as an incorporated body that functions independently of the Museum. The function of the organisation is to foster the interests of the Museum by organised functions and social activities for all ages.

1966 The Children's Museum situated in the east wing was disbanded.

A $500 grant is secured from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies to index archival documents and a preliminary sorting of anthropology photographs and recopying of old photographs.

A teacher is seconded from the Education Department. Bob Ellis is appointed as curator of relics in September and assumes responsibility of the Aboriginal and Historic Relics Unit.

Responsibility for the Aboriginal & Historic Relics Act is transferred from the Minister of Education to the Minister of Environment and Conservation.

Museum is transferred to the Minister of Environment and Conservation.

Museum is no longer a department and becomes a division.

'An Act to provide for the administration of the South Australian Museum; to repeal the Museum Act, 1939; and for other purposes'. (No. 21 of 1976) Assented to 4 March.

The functions of the Board are as follows:

- manage the Museum, land, premises and funds
- carry out or promote archaeological, anthropological, biological, geological and historical research
- accumulate and care for archaeological, anthropological, biological, geological and historical objects and specimens
- accumulate and classify data
- disseminate research information
- perform any other functions of scientific, educational or historical significance that may be assigned to the Board by regulation
- refuse any material that does not meet collection criteria
- receive, take, purchase, hire or accept upon loan, any objects of scientific or historical value
- sell, lend, exchange or dispose if any objects of scientific or historical interest; and
- lend or make available to any institution, body or person carrying out scientific or historical research any object of scientific or historical interest from the State collection.

Travelling Education Service is established.

Permanent curator of conservation is appointed.

1977 The Museum is transferred to Minister of Education, 7 October.

The administration of the Aboriginal and Historic Relics Preservation Act, 1965, is transferred to the Minister for the Environment. The Ecological Survey Unit and Aboriginal and Historic Relics Unit are transferred back to the Department for the Environment, 15 December.

1978 'South Australian Museum Act Amendment Act'. (No. 78 of 1978)
The amendments expand upon parking violations.

The Museum is transferred to the Minister of Community Development, 12 October.

The Museum is transferred to the Minister of Arts, 18 September.

A further Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies grant is secured to employ an archivist and two assistants for approximately two years to process the archival collection.

South Australian Museum Act Amendment Act'. (No. 48 of 1980)
The Act adds South Australian meteorites to the Board's functions and amends the definition of state collection from 'archaeological, anthropological, biological, geological and historical' to 'scientific and historical'.

The Evolutionary Biology Unit is transferred to the Museum.

The Edwards Report is published in June. The report reviews the 'Museum Policy and Development in South Australia' and makes 64 recommendations.

The Museum conservation section is transferred to the State Conservation Centre that officially opened 20 May 1985.

'South Australian Museum Act Amendment Act'. (No. 35 of 1985)
Amendment increases Board members to eight.

1987 The Waterhouse Club Inc is established as an incorporated body that functions independently of the Museum. The role of the organisation is to build a large support network that is able to influence the future outcomes of the museum and fundraise.

The Department for the Arts and Cultural Heritage administers the Museum.

The Department for the Arts and Cultural Development administers the Museum.

'Regulations under the South Australian Museum Act 1976' (Government Gazette No. 197 of 1993, 26 August 1993)
Regulations are made relating to interference with exhibits, general behaviour controls, driving and parking offences and enforcement.

1996 'An Act to repeal the Expiation Offences Act 1987, and to amend various other Acts that make provision for the expiation of offences' (No. 34 of 1996)
'Regulations under the South Australian Museum Act 1976' (Government Gazette No. 259 of 1996, 23 December 1996)
Amendments are made to regulations 9 and 10 of Part 3 - Vehicular Controls. Regulation 13 is revoked.

The Department for Transport, Urban Planning and the Arts - Arts SA administers the Museum.

Aboriginal Advisory Group is established.

The majority of general administrative functions and activities are transferred to Arts SA - Bureau Services.

2002- ct The Department of Premier and Cabinet - Arts SA administers the Museum.

Previous Agencies: South Australian Institute (1856-1884) and Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery (1884-1940)