South Australia’s History Festival (1–31 May) is back and you can delve into World War II talks and performances, historic walking tours, an electric vehicle talk and more in Onkaparinga.
There are 9 events being hosted in Onkaparinga’s libraries, townships and community centres during the annual statewide history festival and most of them are free. Spots are limited, however, so register soon!
War stories
There are several World War II-themed events happening this year, aligning with the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE) on 8 May when the war came to an end in Europe.
While the story of the battles, the armies and the generals who led them is well-known, less known are the experiences of those on the home front during the two world wars. Head to Hub Library on Thursday 8 May for a free talk on these untold stories, including about the war industry, emergency measures, supporting the troops, rationing and more. Book your spot online.
At Noarlunga Library on Thursday 8 May, you can learn about the events and people that shaped SA’s wartime legacy with award-winning commemorative podcaster, Megan Spencer. From Bangka Island to Beachport: Remembering South Australia's WWII Legacy focuses on the women of the Australian Army Nursing Service who were killed in a war crime on Indonesia’s Bangka Island – a number of whom were South Australian, including Sister Vivian Bullwinkel who survived to tell the tale – and the little-known story of the Beachport Mine Tragedy where the first two service fatalities on Australian soil during WWII took place at the hands of the German war machine. Book your free spot online.
Aldinga Library is hosting a VE Day 80th Anniversary Victory Swing on Friday 9 May, allowing attendees to swing into the past with live music from The Three Little Sisters Tribute Band, bar service and historical displays. Get your groove on and dress to impress in your glad rags – it’s going to be a blast from the past you won’t want to miss! Tickets are $20 (guest companions/carers are free) and you can book online.
A recorded talk exploring Migrant Family Stories Between Wars will be shown at Hub Library on Tuesday 20 May as part of the State Library’s Stories from the Stacks series. You’ll hear stories of strength, resilience and longevity of a group of Italian migrants who settled in Adelaide’s western suburbs between 1926 to 1928 and established successful market gardens. Book your free spot online.
The Flax Fields, Farms and Vines: Our Land Army Women in WWII display of photographs and ephemera depicting Onkaparinga women involved in the war effort on the home front can be seen in the local history area of Noarlunga Library (Level 3) for the entire month of May. Free, no bookings required.
Historic tours
If you’re keen to stay active during South Australia’s History Festival, there are two local historic walking tours available to learn more about Onkaparinga’s places - but. alas, they are pretty much booked out.
Catherine: 170 Years of a Morphett Vale Village is a tour exploring the stories of the people, buildings and events in this well-preserved historical precinct founded in 1855 by local misfit and patriarch, Alexander Anderson. Beginning at the old institute hall (Morphett Vale Community Hall), you’ll make your way down William Street and finish at the final resting place of Alexander Anderson in Creighton Avenue Reserve. The Saturday 17 May tour is sold-out, but there is still a free spot or two left for the Tuesday 13 May tour if you're quick – book online.
Another tour of historic Old Reynella is taking place on Thursday and Friday 15 and 16 May. Tickets are now booked out, but you’re welcome to join the waitlist.
Electric Vehicles – Stories, Myths and Developments
Electric vehicles have developed from tiny underpowered city cars to powerful supercars, with domestic, commercial, and aviation implications.
Presenters at this free Thursday 22 May talk at Seaford Library will discuss these changes, clear up misconceptions that stop people from switching to electric vehicles and share some travel experiences. Book your spot online.
Pictured
Women’s Land Army workers on the flax fields of Morphett Vale circa 1942-1945. Photo: Willunga Branch, National Trust of South Australia.