Discover stories behind the latest exhibitions, fascinating explorations into maritime science and archaeology, and the surprising details of what happens inside (and outside) a modern working museum.
.jpg?h=1080&la=en&w=2160 "Dr Vanessa Pirotta (second version)")
12 Sep 2019
Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a pioneering marine biologist and science communicator who was recently named one of Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence for 2019. Vanessa's breakthrough research on whale snot (yes, you read that correctly) and her innovative use of technology are just some of the many reasons she is taking the world by storm.
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12 Sep 2019
What is paleoart and how does it differ to regular art? We spoke to paleoartist Gabriel Ugueto to find out more about this unique craft, and the work he did for our upcoming exhibition, Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators.
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10 Sep 2019
Bailey, our Assistant Director of Seagulls, gives a pawsome review of Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Read more![Goy Galdeano (centre, in white striped top) with the first group of female Spanish assisted migrants to Australia, 1960 [reproduced courtesy Melissa Zabalegui]](/-/media/anmm/images/blog-content/september-2019/signals/3-goy-galdeano_2160x1080_compressed.jpg?h=1080&la=en&w=2160 "Goy Galdeano (centre, in white striped top) with the first group of female Spanish assisted migrants to Australia, 1960 [reproduced courtesy Melissa Zabalegui]")
02 Sep 2019
An archive of newspaper clippings in the museum’s collection documents a dramatic episode in assisted migration from Spain and Greece to Australia 60 years ago, writes curator Kim Tao. The nightmare 54-day voyage of the Montserrat was marred by engine trouble, fighting between passengers and crew, and even allegations of a mutiny by passengers in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
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29 Aug 2019
William Bligh is often described as an abusive tyrant, but what about a devoted husband? Head of Research Dr Nigel Erskine explores how the sea shells Bligh collected for his wife Elizabeth were a reflection of love – exotic souvenirs that allowed her to share in her husband's adventures.
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28 Aug 2019
Alex Luther water skied almost 3,700 kilometres to create his grandfather's world record. Having never water skied before, Alex spent seven years preparing for the journey both physically and mentally. Before he speaks at our upcoming Ocean Talk, Extreme Journeys, we spoke with Alex to find out why he embarked on this demanding challenge and the highs and lows he experienced in the process.
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27 Aug 2019
The 1848 Revolution in France led to the exodus of a unique group of refugee artisans now known as the lacemakers of Calais. Curator Kim Tao profiles the story of Edward Lander, chairman of a committee representing nearly 650 English laceworkers and their families, who sought a fresh start in the Australian colonies.
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23 Aug 2019
In 1847 Benjamin Boyd, an early colonial businessman better known for his whaling ventures, shipped 65 men from New Caledonia and Vanuatu to Eden on the south coast of New South Wales.
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23 Aug 2019
The flag raising ceremony that took place at the museum today marked the 25th anniversary of Commonwealth recognition of the discrimination imposed on the Australian South Sea Islanders (ASSI) community.
22 Aug 2019
Annarosa Coluccio (née Bova) was one of 12,000 young Italian women who arrived in Australia as proxy brides between 1945 and 1976. Confronted by vast cultural and linguistic barriers, she eventually settled in with the love of her husband and the friendship of their new Australian neighbours.
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