Dr Adam Paterson presents February’s Talking History lecture: Leviathan: An Astonishing History of Whales

**This lecture is now sold out. Please keep an eye on this page for information future lectures.**

Around the globe and across centuries, whales have inspired awe. They exemplify nature’s grandeur and they have been linked to gods and monsters. But such enormous creatures hold a bounty unlike any other. They have been hunted by subsistence fishers hungry for food. And they have been driven to the cusp of extinction by industrial whalers. Now gaining strength, whale numbers may continue to grow or their recovery may be undermined as human actions degrade their habitats. Join curator Dr Adam Paterson as he unpacks the history of South Australia’s whaling industry against the back drop of the SA Maritime Museums new exhibition Leviathan: An astonishing history of whales. The exhibition challenges audiences to look beyond the biological importance of whales and consider cultural questions by exploring different viewpoints – unpacking the history of the relationship between humans and whales across time and cultures.

Leviathan is on display at the South Australian Maritime Museum until 2 September 2018.

This free public lecture is part of History Trust of South Australia’s Talking History series. Book online here.

Please note: 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start. This lecture will be held at the South Australian Maritime Museum in Port Adelaide. Refreshments will be provided. Wine sponsor – O’Leary Walker Wines. Visit olearywalkerwines.com

Dr Adam Paterson has worked in the field of cultural heritage for the past 12 years, as a heritage consultant, lecturer and most recently curator at the South Australian Maritime Museum. Adam’s research has explored the history and archaeology of maritime industrial communities in Port Adelaide and also at some of South Australia’s whaling stations.