The Gallery - St Peters Town Hall
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Messages from the Grave - History Festival SA
May2

Join us at this years History Festival SA celebration for a thought-provoking exhibition that delves into the rich symbolism of cemeteries and how they can enhance our understanding of history.
This unique exhibition invites you to explore how inscriptions, symbols, grave orientation and even the concept of grief without a grave can offer valuable insights into the past.
The Festival will feature specialised workshops and tours focused on cemetery history and death-related topics, offering opportunities to deepen your understanding of the connections between burial practices and historical research.
Don’t miss out on this journey into the symbols of death and remembrance that shape our understanding of history!
Exhibition
Cemeteries - A place for the living or a place for the dead? Through the stories of graves, uncover insights into the lives of those honoured, the customs of people who memorialised them and the shifting beliefs that have shaped our views on remembrance.
Workshops and Tours
The Gift of Life: Glenys’ Story (including DonateLife SA)
Each year thousands of Australian lives are saved and transformed through the generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families. In 2017, following a rapid health decline due to Cystic Fibrosis, Glenys received a double lung transplant. Hear her first-hand account of the journey through the transplant process, recovery, and her heartfelt message.
When – Tuesday 27 May - 10.30am-12pm
Where – Banquet Hall, St Peters
Enfield Memorial Park Guided Tour: Tour of Crematorium, Buddhist, & Natural Burials
Join us for a guided tour of Enfield Memorial Park, where you'll explore the crematorium facilities and learn about the diverse burial options offered, including Buddhist traditions and environmentally-conscious natural burials. This insightful tour provides a respectful and informative look at how the park honors cultural practices and sustainable choices in end-of-life care.
When – Friday 16 May - 9.30am-11am
Where – Enfield Cemetery. Meet at Valé, Evergreen Community Precinct
Ruby Chew Workshop
Kids will explore new techniques, express their artistic vision and grow as artists. Join us for a creative journey that is designed to be fun and imaginative! After these workshops, children will have the chance to see their artwork on display in the St Peters Town Hall building, as part of our History Month exhibition program.
Suitable for children aged 7 and up.
When – Wednesday 21 May - 11.30am-1pm & 1.30pm-3pm
Where – Banquet Hall, St Peters
Dying as we live: storytelling, end of life doulas, and living a meaningful life
A short history of how death, dying, and funerals have changed in Australia, and how End of Life Doulas can help individuals and communities start important conversations and break down taboos around death and dying. This talk is also a contemplation of how personal storytelling can support end of life decision making by reminding us of what is meaningful in our lives.
When – Thursday 22 May - 10.30am-12pm
Where – Banquet Hall, St Peters
Tombstone Sketching - with Deb Smalley
Come sketch with us at the Payneham Cemetery! Learn how to create your own black & white sketch of historic tombstones under the guidance of experienced local artist Deborah Smalley.
No drawing experience is necessary & all materials are provided.
When - Thursday 15 May & Friday 23 May - 9.50am-12pm
Where - Payneham Cemetery
Darroch House – Tour & Funeral Talk
Step inside the historic Darroch House for an engaging tour and thoughtful discussion about modern funeral practices. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the heritage-listed building and gain insights into funeral planning, traditions, and the evolving ways we celebrate life and say goodbye.
When - Friday 23 and Sunday 25 May - 2pm-4pm
Where: 6 Briar Road, Felixstow
Wills, Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney & Advance Care Directives
Take the mystery out of future planning with this informative session covering the essentials of wills, estate management, powers of attorney, and advance care directives. Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or supporting a loved one, this talk will help you understand your options and make informed decisions with confidence.
When – Tuesday 13 May -10.30am-12 pm
Where – Banquet Hall, St Peters
Compassionate Communities – Palliative Care in South Australia
Discover how communities across South Australia are coming together to support people through serious illness, dying, death, and grief. This session explores the Compassionate Communities movement and highlights the role of palliative care in creating a more connected, caring, and informed society.
When – Tuesday 13 May 2025, 2.30-3.30 pm
Where – Payneham Library, Felixstow
Life Journal - BOOKED OUT
Join us for an inspiring and creative workshop where you will learn the art of bookbinding while creating a unique ‘Life Journal’ filled with thoughtful prompts to celebrate your life.
All materials provided.
Ages 15+.
When – Saturday 10 May - 12.30pm-3.30 pm
Where – Banquet Hall, St Peters
Online Genealogy: Finding Burials & Cemeteries Online - BOOKED OUT
Learn how to use Ancestry, the world’s leading family history website, and other platforms to locate family burial and cemetery records. All South Australian library users have free access to Ancestry Library Edition on library computers. Assumed knowledge for this workshop — basic PC skills and ability to perform internet searches.
When – Monday 26 May - 2.30pm-3.30 pm
Where – Banquet Hall, St Peters
Contact
E: events@npsp.sa.gov.au
T: 8366 4555