South Australian Museum - North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000

Wilhelm Haacke – Curator 1882, Director 1883-1884

In June 1856, 20 years after Governor Hindmarsh proclaimed South Australia a province and in the same year South Australia established its constitution, an Act to provide for an institution that would incorporate a public library and museum was assented to.

1878 architect's drawing of the proposed Museum, Library and Art Gallery

Promotional material for the Museum c.1917

The Act promoted "the general study and cultivation of all or any of the branches or departments of art, science, literature, and philosophy" through lectures, classes and united cultural societies under one institution.

In June 1859, shortly after his arrival in the South Australian Colony, Frederick George Waterhouse offered his services as Curator of the South Australian Institute Museum. Waterhouse brought with him valuable experience following his work at the British Museum. Consequently, the Board appointed him as the first Curator (Director).

Eighty years later, legislation giving the South Australian Museum autonomy from the Art Gallery and Library was finally passed. This Act became operational in 1940.

Today, the museum has 82 staff members, as compared with about 40 in 1956. This reflects greater specialisation rather than embarkation on new fields of study. Staff numbers are bolstered with a greater number of volunteers.

The South Australian Museum is a custodian for the State’s cultural and natural heritage. The specialised data generated by collection managers, curators and scientists over the last 150 years are made available to the international community through publication, promotion, education and exhibitions.

Download the complete version of the history of the South Australian Museum:

'A Potted History' of the South Australian Museum