A groundbreaking initiative has been launched to illuminate the intricate history of South Australia’s colonial past. The South Australian Frontier and its Legacies geo-linked story tool offers an innovative approach to mapping encounters from early colonization through the late nineteenth century. This digital platform aims to foster dialogue and expand public awareness of frontier conflict, encompassing both interpersonal and cultural violence that marked South Australia’s colonial history.
Dr. Skye Krichauff, Project Manager and Senior Lecturer in Historical and Classical Studies at the University of Adelaide, articulates the significance of this interactive map. According to Dr. Krichauff, the tool enhances accessibility to pivotal historical moments by digitizing and transcribing historical sources held by State Records, and linking them to contemporaneous newspaper articles. “We thought it was important for those using the website to not only see detailed descriptions of incidents of frontier conflict but also be able to read the historical sources themselves,” she explains.
The project, supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, is a collaborative effort led by the University of Adelaide. Partner organizations include the History Trust of South Australia, State Library of South Australia, South Australian Museum, State Records of South Australia, and Reconciliation SA. These institutions have collectively pooled resources to create a comprehensive digital repository that chronicles the multifaceted narratives of South Australia’s frontier history.
Greg Mackie OAM, CEO of the History Trust of South Australia, highlights the extensive curation involved in developing the map. “The interactive website has gathered archival records on South Australian frontier conflict, colonial press reports, artworks, and photographs, as well as contemporary oral histories with South Australian Aboriginal communities,” Mackie notes. This diverse collection underscores the depth of research and the collaborative effort behind the project.
One of the unique features of the website is its inclusion of oral histories. Dr. Krichauff emphasizes the importance of these personal accounts in providing a richer, more nuanced understanding of the past. “We have been working with communities to record oral histories relating to the frontier and its legacies, and by listening to audio and reading transcripts, website users can hear Aboriginal people’s and settler descendants’ voices,” she says. This approach ensures that the voices of those directly affected by these historical events are heard, offering a more inclusive perspective on South Australia’s colonial history.
The project’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration is evident in its methodology. By working closely with various communities, the team has ensured that the narratives presented are as comprehensive and representative as possible. However, the project team acknowledges that the material available on the site represents just one aspect of the diverse voices and perspectives on South Australia’s colonial frontiers. They recognize that many other accounts and experiences remain to be documented and shared.
The creation of this digital tool marks a significant achievement in historical scholarship and public history. It demonstrates the potential of digital humanities projects to bridge gaps in understanding and bring historical narratives to a broader audience. By making historical documents, artworks, photographs, and oral histories accessible in one interactive platform, the project facilitates a deeper engagement with South Australia’s colonial past.
This initiative also underscores the importance of collaboration in historical research and public education. The partnership between academic institutions, cultural organizations, and community groups exemplifies how collective efforts can produce resources that are both educational and transformative. The South Australian Frontier and its Legacies geo-linked story tool stands as a testament to what can be achieved through such cooperative endeavors.
In conclusion, this digital map not only serves as an educational resource but also as a platform for ongoing dialogue about South Australia’s colonial history. It invites users to explore, reflect, and engage with the complex narratives of the past, ensuring that the legacies of frontier conflict are remembered and understood. Through this project, the voices of Aboriginal communities and settler descendants alike are brought to the forefront, enriching the collective understanding of South Australia’s colonial legacy.
