In previous issues international maritime museums have been the feature so this month we’re seeing what’s closer to home. Located on the western shore of Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum was officially opened in 1991.
The main building is an innovative, contemporary structure with the roof in a ripple design to represent three symbols of maritime- the waves, the sails and the wind. This particular museum has a unique permanent collection of 14 vessels and has one of the largest groups of full sized ships housed at the museums wharves.
A popular attraction is the full-scale replica of the HMS Endeavour. The fascinating HMAS Vampire, Daring Class destroyer, 1956 is the largest museum vessel in Australia, its length measuring 118.65m (389 ft). The Daring class were the largest big gun ships to be constructed in Australia.
The variety of smaller vessels on the wharves includes the Akarana, 1888 gaff cutter racing yacht which is the museum’s oldest ship. The Akarana was built in Auckland to compete in Australian regattas in 1888 and 1889. Another vessel that has an interesting history is the tugboat Bareki, 1962, was the last timber tug in service with the Maritime Services Board. Another intriguing ship is the Kathleen Gillett, 1939 ketch, is the second Australian yacht to circumnavigate the globe by Jack Earl- a founder of the Sydney- Hobart yacht race. These ships and many more are available to visit on the museum wharves.
A temporary vessel on the wharves is the Dutch Jacht Duyfken, 1606, which made the first recorded European visit to the Australian continent. The ship’s commander Willem Janszoon created the first map of mainland Australia. The replica of the Duyfken was constructed in Western Australia and launched in 1999. Duyfken means “Little Dove”. On the 23 March 2011 there will be an opening talk and tour of the Duyfken starting at 6:15pm till 8pm to welcome the ship the museum. Refreshments will be provided as Ship Manager Cian Pereira and Dr Nigel Erskine lead a remarkable and detailed guided tour.
A short walk from the main building will lead visitors to Wharf 7 Maritime Heritage Centre which houses the Vaughan Evans Library were model boats are stored and a vast collection of maritime research, curatorial records, maritime archaeological and registration offices can be found plus much more.
A permanent exhibition entitled Passengers uses artefacts and objects of those who have voluntarily sailed to Australian for a new life and those who were forced to come here as convicts. Personal items recreate the lifestyle of the passengers of ocean liners. Discover photos, souvenirs, clothes and diary excerpts and the stories behind why they made the decision to come, how long it was and the details of life on board a ship.
The exhibition details the harsh conditions that the earliest arrivals had to endure if they survived the voyage. A detailed model of a convict hulk portrays the living conditions which were dark, overcrowded and uncomfortable. The centrepiece is a large scale model of the 1937 ocean liner RMS Orcades, which bought migrants to Australia including Bob Stephens who was only 9 years old when his family sent him alone to Australia from England in 1952. This happened to many children and museum has set up a special exhibition.
The special exhibition entitled On their Own- Britain’s Child Migrants runs until the 15 May 2011. The exhibition includes interviews of the thoughts and experiences of child migrants to Australia. Britain began the child migration schemes to help populate other Commonwealth countries. Starting in 1860’s and continuing until the 1960’s over 100,000 children were either orphans or removed from their families and were often placed with religious organisations. Some went on to lead successful lives but many were detrimentally affected by the traumatic experiences.
Discover these exhibitions and many more at the Australian National Museum.
2 Murray Street
Darling Harbour
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Open every day 9.30 am - 5.00 pm (6.00 pm in January)
Closed 25 December (Christmas Day)
Closed 25 December (Christmas Day)
