A fun and informative way to peer into the past this winter and learn a whole lot more about who we are and how we ended up this way!
Talking History is a popular series devoted to South Australia’s splendid, scintillating, and sometimes strange history. For the 2025 series, The History Trust of South Australia is delighted to be partnering with the State Library of South Australia.
In 2025, Talking History will present 4 evening panel events featuring speakers from all over the state. These panels will explore the entertaining and informative topics below with South Australia’s History Advocate, Dr Kiera Lindsey as chair.
The Talking History program is delivered in partnership with the State Library of South Australia.
The 2025 program:
All the World’s a Stage
Roll up for an evening of show-stopping splendour. In this first Talking History panel for 2025, we look closely at our history of circuses, and stand-up, boxing rings, and vaudeville! Go behind the scenes to learn about the many performers who have entertained South Australians over the decades!
This event is inspired by the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
10 June 2025
SA’s Scintillating Subcultures
In July, we turn on our torches and peer into the past. What makes practices like surfing or gaming so… ‘subterranean’? And how do they become mainstream whilst keeping their ‘edge’? Find out about some of the many surprising subcultures that have shaped South Australia.
This event is inspired by Illuminate Adelaide.
15 July 2025
South Australia’s Arts & Crafts
South Australians have long used their hands, hearts, and minds to make things both practical and beautiful. In this Talking History, we meet some sensational South Australian artists and artisans who practice ‘hands-on history’ by blowing glass, running a shuttle through looms, or transforming liquid metal into sculpted stories.
This event is a part of the SALA Festival.
12 August 2025
Exploring Our State’s Unique Environment
In September, we pull on our boots to unearth the ways South Australians have reshaped their environments. You’ll learn about oranges, irrigation, and introduced species, but most importantly, hear the stories of people who have survived and thrived in the state with the most unpredictable rainfall.
This event is a part of Nature Festival.
30 September 2025
DONATIONS
The History Trust of South Australia has presented Talking History for over a decade, providing insightful speakers, topics, and wonderful in-person events with a South Australian historical focus. We are pleased to continue Talking History in 2025 and would greatly appreciate any donation you could contribute to the program.