Business case will be developed for a new museum of South Australian History

Hidden artefacts could be put on display as the History Trust is given funding to develop a business case for a new museum of South Australian history.

The State Government has committed $250k for a plan for a new museum of SA history. Education Minister John Gardner with History Trust CEO Greg Mackie with some artefacts. Picture Simon Cross

A quarter of a million dollars has been allocated to develop a business case for a museum of South Australian history.

If found to be viable, the museum would become home to artefacts and significant South Australian items that have been hidden away for decades, with no dedicated place to display them.

The money has been given to the History Trust by the State Government so it can investigate the economic and cultural benefits of building a new, SA-focused museum.

The business case would also investigate possible locations for the museum and the cost of establishing it.

If successful, it would join the planned $200 million Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre at Lot Fourteen on North Terrace.

Concept designs for Adelaide’s Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre (AACC), to be built at Lot Fourteen. Source. Supplied.

Education Minister John Gardner – whose portfolio includes history – said SA was “home to a number of collections and collecting institutions of national and international significance”.

“The missing piece in terms of South Australia’s museum offerings is the potential for a museum of South Australian history here in Adelaide.”

History Trust chairwoman Elizabeth Ho said the creation of such a museum had been in the trust’s sights for 40 years, since its establishment.

“We have been collecting for such a museum for many years, and we welcome the State Government’s foresight in making funds available to develop this business case.”

History Trust chief executive Greg Mackie was also supportive of the funding.

“To develop a business case for a future Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History is an exciting and potentially transformative next step for us to create new ways for sharing the unique stories of our state,” Mr Mackie said.

“It will complement the Government’s wonderful vision for an Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre at Lot 14.”

Among the items that would be displayed at the museum is the Tinline Salver made by Hunt and Roskell in 1853.

The salver was made in honour of then-acting manager of the South Australian Banking Company, George Tinline, who lured men who left SA for Victoria in the gold rush back to the state with high gold prices.

It was presented to Mr Tinline by George Elder, brother of Sir Thomas Elder, as an exclusive dinner.