Audio on demand

Techniques for handling, storing and conserving precious textile objects, with demonstrations based on 1913-era hats and shoes, in conjunction with the exhibition Glorious Days: Australia 1913.

Photographer Peter Eve reflects on an expedition into the remote southern Simpson Desert that he shared with archaeologist Dr Mike Smith. Peter praises Mike’s ability to bring the buried landscapes and humanities of deep time to life.

Our Museum conservators outline principles to help you care for your own items such as photo albums and wedding dresses. These principles include stable, suitable environmental conditions, good handling practices and correct physical storage for items.

Listen to members of the Conservation team here at the National Museum give a practical demonstration on how to care to the special medals, trophies and silverware that you have at home.

This event launched two new exhibitions: the display of big objects from the Museum’s collection in the Hall and Museum Workshop which showcases the work of three of the Museum’s conservation teams.

Following a background to the Landmarks gallery by Daniel Oakman, three of the Museum’s conservators shared the techniques and process used to prepare, treat and install the Kenya station windmill, one of the Springfield dresses, and Phar Lap’s heart.

Artist Mandy Martin, historian Libby Robin and zoologist Chris Dickman join Guy Fitzhardinge from Desert Channels Queensland for an insightful discussion that explores partnerships, art and writings about conservation around our desert rivers.

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.

Christopher Snelling provides a case study on how the Powerhouse Discovery Centre and collection stores at Castle Hill have been developed and opened to the public.

Mathew Trinca proposes that at the heart of museums lies a deep commitment to the idea that our material lives are worth recording and that our heritage objects provide insights into the circumstances and meaning of human life.