The 2023 History Festival is a celebration of the past, with a focus on the theme of wonder. We will explore the constantly evolving nature of history and how this can lead to more engaging learning opportunities and a greater emphasis on hearing new perspectives and voices. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for an interesting day out, the festival has something for everyone. Come join us in Hahndorf and discover the wonder of history.
Treasures From the Attic at The Cedars
The Cedars
Saturday 6 may 1pm-3pm
Adult $50
Discover a secret hidden world at The Cedars in Hahndorf as one of our expert Heysen collections managers show you treasures from the attic of the historic Heysen home. An incredible glimpse in to the past. After a tour of the historic home and studio, you will be able to touch and hold selected items as the collections team explains their usage, history and what their research has revealed about these items. A must do for the highly curious and any history lover looking for a window into life in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.
Imagine the Past
Hahndorf Academy
Sunday 7 May 10am-4pm
Experience the past with an interactive day of traditional crafts, skills and trades used in nineteenth century village life. Enjoy lots of activities and displays in our gardens, such as weaving, spinning, embroidery, heritage plants, storytelling, engines, milking goats, cheese making, timber joinery, wood turning, historical tools, blacksmithing, SA Heritage working draught horses, dry stone walling, Victorian ladies promenading in period costume. Free, family-friendly, outdoor event.
Callum Docherty: Story Beyond
Hahndorf Academy
Throughout May 10am-5pm
Exhibition – FREE
An exhibition of new work by Tarntanya/Adelaide-based multidisciplinary artist Callum Docherty constructs a layered intersection of local histories and site-responsive observations. Drawing upon the museum collection at the Hahndorf Academy, the exhibition will reveal and document local historical objects and artifacts through contemporary arts practice. Along with documenting historical material Story Beyond captures impressions and details of the current site and space, forging a narrative from the past to present and beyond. Callum Docherty (b.1981) is an Tarntanya/Adelaide-based multidisciplinary artist who has predominantly worked and exhibited throughout New South Wales and South Australia. Notions of reinvention and circularity are at the core of his creative arts practice.
Hannah Vorrath-Pajak: Tending Tradition
Hahndorf Academy
Until Sunday 4 June 10am-5pm
Ceramic artist Hannah Vorrath-Pajak investigates the development and tradition of German folk pottery in the Barossa Valley and surrounding areas in the ninteenth century. In response to this research, she makes porcelain domestic objects that tap into the long-standing history of her chosen medium, with an aim to contextualise the historical within contemporary objects. Hannah Vorrath-Pajak is an Australian potter and visual artist based in Kaurna Country, South Australia. She works in porcelain, making wheel thrown functional ware and exhibition-based objects that explore ceramic traditions, craft skills and her cultural heritage. Hannah has undertaken residencies in Tasmania and Japan, finding great value in connecting with other practitioners and learning a variety of ceramic techniques.
Maggie Moy
Hahndorf Academy
Throughout May 10am-5pm
Maggie Moy is an artist and archaeologist. Her special interest is in the first European Settlers to South Australia and their day to day life and its hardships. The broken ceramic shards found in the archaeological record during an excavation at the Hahndorf Academy in 2020 hints at what these early settlers brought with them, or traded, in their new life in a foreign land. Using a combination of drawings and ceramics, Moy’s contemporary art practice investigates things that these pioneer settlers may have held dear.
Presence
Hahndorf Academy
Exhibition
Until 31 May 10am-5pm
This exhibition presents new digital videos by South Australian multidisciplinary artists Georgia Button, Brad Darkson, Angelique Joy, James Tylor, and Agnieszka Woznicka. These artists explore relationships between place and identity in their practice, responding to significant sites, spaces and artefacts in their creation of new work. They are invited to creatively inhabit our historical gallery to contribute new perspectives to our shared history.
Pioneer Women’s Trail Walk
Hahndorf Academy
Presented by National Trust of SA, Hahndorf Branch
Sunday 21 May 7.30am-3pm
Adults $30, Member $15, Child FREE
Take up the challenge. Walk in the footsteps of pioneer women and men who carried much needed produce from Hahndorf to Adelaide in the early years of the colony, along the ancient trails of the Peramangk and Kaurna people. Commencing at the Hahndorf Academy, the 26km trail crosses the Onkaparinga River, winds through Bridgewater then traverses beautiful Mt George Conservation Park. It continues through Stirling, Crafers and Cleland National Park, then joins the Old Bullock Track for the descent to Beaumont House in Burnside. Bus transfers available for additional fee from Beaumont House to starting point (Hahndorf, Bridgewater or Stirling) or take a return bus at end of day. Bookings essential.
