Western Australian Museum Annual Report 2003-2004

40
Western Australian Museum–
Science and Culture
Richard Rennie’s extremely popular Flashback Bytes, a sound and light technology exhibition,
continued until October. The displays, regular presentations and special events were a hit with
visitors of all ages.
In November, the WA Croatian Community celebrated both the Fremantle Festival and the
Croatian Community Festival with three displays at the Museum. Fertility Rites—bedspreads
from Croatia was a display of rare and colourful nineteenth and early twentieth-century rugs
from the Brodsko Posavlje Museum in Croatia. Striking posters from the National Theatre of
Zagreb gave visitors an insight into the works of contemporary Croatian artists, while Australianborn
Justin Cvitan’s photographs provided a social and geographical context for the combined
displays. The Croatian Consul-General opened the exhibitions.
Yarnings, an exhibition of beautifully crafted textiles from the Handweavers, Spinners and Dyer’s
Guild of WA, was on show between December 2003 and March 2004. Guild members gave
regular demonstrations of traditional weaving and spinning methods.
Fremantle’s reputation as a city of animal-welfare activists was highlighted by the exhibition
Activism—animal welfare in Fremantle. Covering the history and activities of groups seeking to
change conditions in animal transport, the exhibition explores local and global issues.
Former Head of Science at Presbyterian Ladies College and Honorary Associate Richard Rennie
continued his association with the Museum by mounting a new exhibition of historic artefacts,
hands-on activities and a program of special events in two upstairs galleries.
Using donation funds, an education officer has been contracted to review the Museum’s school
education programs and develop new programs in line with the Education Department’s
curriculum framework. Scheduled for completion in later 2004, this work has already provided
teachers and parents with more flexible programs to suit the particular subject focus of schools.
With the support of Richard Rennie, the Museum is now able to offer science and history of
science programs, as well as social history programs.
The Museum ran several events at the 2004 Fremantle Heritage Festival in June, including a
display about Western Australia’s first radio station, 6WF, that featured on the ABC’s Stateline
program. Richard Rennie’s sound and light technology display, presented in partnership with
the Museum, won ‘The Spirit of Heritage’ Award at the Festival.
SAMSON HOUSE
A volunteer program led by Conservator Maggie Myer has given the house a new sparkle. Once
a month a small group gathers to clean and maintain the silver, glass, ceramics and other
materials that belonged to the Samson family.
The Museum acknowledges the valuable contribution to the gardens at Samson House by the
Australian Garden History Society (WA) and Fremantle TAFE Horticultural program. Both
organisations have volunteered their time and expertise to assist with the enhancement and
management of these historic gardens. Guided by the garden Conservation Plan, the Garden
History Society had a spring planting day in the grounds with members donating and planting
a variety of shrubs and flowering plants. A small plaque acknowledging the Society’s contribution
has been placed near the garden beds.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM ANNUAL REPORT 2003–2004