Cultural Sensitivity Warning
It is a condition of use of the cultural components of the Museum Archives that users ensure that any disclosure of information contained in this collection is consistent with the views and sensitivities of Indigenous people. Users are warned that there may be words and descriptions that may be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. Users should also be aware that some records document research into people and cultures using a scientific research model dating from the first half of the twentieth century, and depicts people as research subjects in ways which may today be considered offensive. Some records contain terms and annotations that reflect the author's attitude or that of the period in which the item was written, and may be considered inappropriate today in some circumstances. Users should be aware that in some Indigenous communities, hearing names of deceased persons might cause sadness or distress, particularly to the relatives of these people. Furthermore, certain totemic symbols may also have prohibitions relating to the age, initiation and ceremonial status or clan of the person who may see them. Records included may be subject to access conditions imposed by Indigenous communities and/or depositors. Users are advised that access to some materials may be subject to these terms and conditions that the Museum is required to maintain.
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Ngadlu tampinthi ngadlu Kaurna Miyurna yartangka. Munaintya puru purruna ngadlu-itya. Munaintyanangku yalaka tarrkarriana tuntarri.

We acknowledge we are on Kaurna Miyurna land. The Dreaming is still living. From the past, in the present, into the future, forever.

How to access the collections

The South Australian Museum Archives (Archives) is the custodian of collections that document our corporate history public engagement and research interests.

Prior to contacting the Archives, we suggest searching the website for collections that may be relevant to your request. The majority of the collections have not yet been indexed. A list of all the collections in our custody is available on the website. Please note that the majority of corporate records dating pre-1940 were transferred to State Records of South Australia.

Submitting a request for access to the collections

You will be required to provide your request in writing with the following details:

  1. The purpose of your research and the Museum collection/s you wish to access.  If you are unsure of which collections to access, then assistance will be provided. Please note that if your research relates to a native title claim or Aboriginal family history, then there are specific procedures which will be forwarded to you separately.

  2. Your name, organisation (if applicable), and contact details (postal address, telephone and email address).

  3. Any Archive collection numbers.

Once your request is received it will be assessed. If access is approved, then the following processes will take place:

  1. To view the archival material, an appointment will be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. The Reading Room is open between 10.00 – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

  2. If you require reproductions, then relevant forms will be completed. For collections relating to Aboriginal people you may need the written consent of a family representative or representative body relevant to the material before it is provided.

  3. Fees may be applied and if applicable then you will be invoiced. 

  4. Once the forms have been completed, and payment received the items will be supplied in digital format either via email, posted DVD, or Dropbox.

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