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.
14 Sep 2019
Last month at our sold-out Ocean Talk, Peter FitzSimons and Rear Admiral Peter Briggs went head-to-head, debating William Bligh and whether he was a hero or villain. We caught up with Peter FitzSimons to talk about today's continuing fascination with Bligh and what surprised him the most when writing Mutiny on the Bounty: A saga of survival, sex, sedition, mayhem and mutiny.
Read more![Sylvia Earle celebrating the ocean at the top of the world [Michael Aw]](/-/media/anmm/images/blog-content/september-2019/wrktsn0v_sylviaearle_2160x1080.jpg?h=1080&la=en&w=2160 "Sylvia Earle celebrating the ocean at the top of the world [Michael Aw]")
13 Sep 2019
Sylvia Earle has lived underwater for a week, walked the sea floor at a (record-breaking) depth of 381 metres and has led over 50 ocean expeditions. At 84, Time’s ‘Hero for the Planet’ isn’t slowing down. We explore Sylvia's incredible career and how she is saving the ocean through Hope Spots.
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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.
Read more.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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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-2019/3-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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