Too much history for just one week!

PRESS RELEASE COURTESY HISTORY SA: In May 2011, South Australians will be able to enjoy 31 days of history. History Week, which had grown to become South Australia’s largest community event, will become About Time: South Australia’s History Festival, and will run throughout the month of May.

The expansion and re-branding of the program has been made possible by a grant of funds from the SA Government to mark the 175th anniversary of foundation of the Province of South Australia. Other funding to mark this important milestone will go towards increasing the number of projects funded through History SA’s 175th Community Grants Scheme.

The newest festival on the South Australian calendar, About Time will provide an estimated 90,000 South Australians from across the State the opportunity to actively participate and engage with the history of South Australia.

Registrations are now open for the 2011 event. History SA invites history and heritage organisations, museums, archives, community and cultural organisations, universities, libraries, schools, churches, galleries, businesses, cemeteries, gardens, government agencies, and owners of heritage-listed places to participate in the About Time Festival. Grab the opportunity to be part of a State-wide community event which promotes the State’s wonderful collections, places and stories. Help us to increase public awareness of South Australia’s rich and diverse history and heritage.

It costs nothing to be involved, and History SA lists all registered events on a dedicated website and in a free printed program which is distributed State-wide.

Over the years, the program has included an amazing array of history-related activities, including talks, open days, guided walks and bus tours, film screenings, special displays, dances and concerts. The opportunity to see behind the doors of some of the State’s heritage treasures has proved especially popular. Many events have been held in regional and rural areas and have been supported by South Australians from all over the State wanting to revisit their own history, or engage in the history of other regions.

Director of History SA, Margaret Anderson, said: ‘we are very excited about this opportunity to mark the 175th birthday of South Australia in this significant way. The new About Time Festival will provide all South Australians with an opportunity to immerse themselves in their history during May and to discover more about their State. We look forward to an exciting event.’

Register your About Time: South Australia’s history festival event with History SA by 31 January 2011. The About Time printed program will be available from the second week of April 2011. For an event registration form, to discuss potential events, or for further information, contact History SA on 8203 9888 or abouttime@history.sa.gov.au