History Events in Adelaide

Please join us in Port Adelaide for a traditional Beat to Quarters and Ceremonial Sunset as we celebrate Navy’s 125th birthday. This naval ceremonial event will include uplifting music from the Royal Australian Navy Band South Australia and a six-person guard will fire a volley with blank cartridges. 'Beat to Quarters' is a practice that dates back centuries to the age of sail when a ship’s drums were beaten in preparation for imminent battle. When full ceremonial is accorded for the lowering of colours – the Australian White Ensign – it is known as 'Ceremonial Sunset'.

For 183 years, Brougham Gardens / Tantutittinga (Park 29) and Palmer Gardens / Pangki Pangki (Park 28) have had a special role in the history and social culture of this city. Along with the prominent floral clock, the rose gardens and other formal plantings, the built heritage that surrounds these two gardens is also impressive - including of course the tower of the Brougham Place Uniting Church. Find out about the role of Palmer Gardens and Brougham Gardens in Adelaide's history, their hidden secrets, and their continuing role in the city's life. Wear sturdy shoes for a walk of about 1.6km. Approximately 1.5 hours duration. Meet at the corner of O'Connell Street and Brougham Place (at the traffic lights at the top of the hill). Children and dogs most welcome :)

Writer and actress Thistle Anderson (aka Mrs Herbert Fisher) grabbed headlines across Australia in the early 1900s. Thistle delighted in disturbing the composure of society’s elite. From Melbourne to London her escapades had fuelled the social pages for years. Then in 1903, she descended on Adelaide as the wife of stockbroker, Herbert Fisher. She was unimpressed by the city and its people and cheerfully voiced her cutting comments. Then she put pen to paper and published them! Join us for a tale of romance and folly, a scandalous court case, and a slanderous little red book that sold, and sold, and sold.

As we mark 110 years since the first Anzac Day, we’ll explore the origins of this enduring legend. Join us as we trace the experiences of ANZAC soldiers, from the preparations for war and training to the landing at Gallipoli. Drawing on archival records, this seminar will explore stories of courage, resilience and strong bonds of mateship. We’ll reflect on how these early experiences shaped the enduring Anzac spirit we remember today.