Matthew Flinders and Bungaree by Helen Tiernan from her series ‘Heroes of Colonial Encounters’. ANMM Collection 00055144 and 00055142.

Blog

Curious about what goes on at the museum? These blogs give you an inside peek.

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.

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José Coelho is farewelled by his teaching colleagues in Ponta do Sol, Madeira, prior to his departure for Australia, 1956.

Love and sacrifice: From Madeira Island to the Snowy Mountains

25 Sep 2019

Seventy years ago this October, work began on Australia’s largest engineering project – the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. Curator Kim Tao shares the story of Portuguese newlyweds José and Maria Coelho, who swapped sunny Madeira Island for the isolation of the Snowy Mountains.

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Sylvia Earle celebrating the ocean at the top of the world [Michael Aw]

Her deepness: Dr Sylvia Earle

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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Dr Vanessa Pirotta (second version)

Whales and wonder with Dr Vanessa Pirotta

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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Goy Galdeano (centre, in white striped top) with the first group of female Spanish assisted migrants to Australia, 1960 [reproduced courtesy Melissa Zabalegui]

Mutiny on the Montserrat: The 60th anniversary of Operation Eucalyptus

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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