American Australian Heritage Exhibition

June - September, Museum of Victoria

Entrance to the American Australian Exhibition at Museum Victoria.

The American-Australian Heritage Project and Exhibition seeks to distinguish the efforts and research the contribution of living American immigrants and their descendants in Australia .

Research continues to uncover the extent and depth of that contribution, from the cultural, physical and social impacts on Australian society, tracing this rich heritage from the early days aboard Captain Cook's ship, the Endeavour in 1770, to present day, also focusing on the golden era of American-Australian involvement in the mid to late 1800's to Federation itself.

The research is being documented to preserve American-Australian heritage and to act as a means for further research as more information comes to light. This exploration will seek to establish the American presence as a vital and essential element in Australia 's development.

Pictured: Exhibition of American memorabilia of the Richardson family of Wisconsin

The Project has so far been successful in being awarded a place in Australia's largest and prestigious museum, the Museum of Victoria, from June to September, 2005. The results of the research will provide the materials for the exhibit which begins in Melbourne before it goes regionally, and to capital cities throughout Australia. Over 30,000 visitors in a 12 week period, including the 4th of July celebrations, will coincide with other American-Australian anniversaries which link the early days to the present. It will also be during the 150th year anniversary of the Eureka Stockade, considered to be an important milestone to be remembered for the Americans who were involved; other anniversaries of the establishment of towns and cities by civic-minded American immigrants; and the entrepreneurial spirit of businesses such as Cobb & Co, and Crawford and Co; and the extensive civic programs created by Americans will also be remembered.

The Project and its first-ever Exhibition will highlight a hitherto forgotten contribution of Americans and raise awareness of their noble and fruitful labours in the establishment of Australian society, politically, economically and socially.

Researching contributions

To research and document the contributions of American immigrants to the development of Australia, from the early days of the American Colony and after independence for the USA , researching the endeavours, and the society that grew from the influence of those Americans to present day.

To create a travelling Exhibition from the initial Exhibition at the Museum, that can be easily transported regionally and to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and the capital, Canberra.

To place Americans in Australia 's historical reality by representing their immigrant contribution to pre and post colonial Australia. The Project will demonstrate this contribution through identification research and documentation, and via an Exhibition, and through a media-rich program.

Pictured: Actor and boxing legend, Gus Mercurio and partner, Rita Tanno, dancer, actress and producer

To highlight Americans who until now, have remained relatively unknown for their exceptional deeds in Australia.

To avail an opportunity for thousands of American descendants to see their forebears history in an Australian context, with its allusion to American heritage. Americans who have relatives in Australia will see this as an opportunity of sharing a common heritage – many Americans have indicated they would like to come to Australia during the events, combining travel with other activities which include their own family heritage.

To provide an Exhibition for mainstream Australians to appreciate the community contribution and enterprise of American-Australians, thereby providing recognition for this quiet but very productive citizenry.

To ensure the message reaches a broad audience in Australia and the US through media which include print (metro, suburban, regional, international), electronic (TV and radio, SMS), and via the Net on a website, email, blogs, bulletin boards, genealogical forums, linked sites, e-book.

Strategies - Research

Identification of American Australians and the subsequent Documentation will provide an immediate source of information regarding the research findings. The documentation will cover the research period of the 1770's, through the highly productive years of the middle to late 1800's, and the establishment of Australia's political or federal system, to the Second World War, and more recent immigration of American immigrants. Research will illustrate where Americans came from and where they went, what they did and do today.

Publications

Information: Brochures and fact sheets about American heritage and the exhibition.

A book will provide an overview of American Australian involvement.

A film will provide immigrants and descendants, as well as mainstream Australia, with a record of contribution.

Some of the hundreds involved in the identification of American Australian heritage, see here at the Exhibition in Museum Victoria. The US Consul General was speaking, with his wife seated in red, next to Dr Patrick Greene, ceo of Museum Victoira, Keith Smiley EO of ASAD, the Hon. John Cain, former Premier Victoria and his wife.

Website

The official Project website is being used to convey information and progress of the research, indicating preserved works, and acting as a resource for people to add to and utilize. It will be a reference point for American-Australian anecdotes, histories, stories, photographs, illustrations, films, artifacts or burial sites, plaques and similar, other recognition displays, and their whereabouts, etc.

The website will also use a database of names, events, milestones, that link Australia with America and the immigrants who helped grow that relationship.

The website will also provide a scripting page for direct responses, and act as a repository for heritage-related material, including photographs, artifacts, diaries, buildings, historical edifices, political participation, and other materials as research develops . The Exhibition will also be featured on the site, detailing the development of the contents and referencing it to other sites.

The Kolody family. Michael Kolody came to Australia during WWII and fell in love with Molly and stayed to bring up a family.

Exhibitions

The Exhibition at the Museum of Victoria displayed material, artefacts, photographs, heritage-valued objects, and items of historic value. Text panels, descriptions, captioning, glass cabinet display in the centre of the large space, art works, and crowd enhancements included ensembles, flautists, and human movement shows.

Promotion

Media, publicity, piggy-back and contact programs. Media-rich approach and tailored features, media releases, brochures, fact sheets, special events, calendar items and anniversary promotion during the period. Local events marketing.

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Seated at Launch: Hon. John Cain, former premier and wife, Dr Patrick Green, next to Consul General's wife

Benefits of the Project

Identifying, documenting, showcasing and preserving American-Australian Heritage, exhibiting for all to see.

Placing Americans and their contribution as an integral part of the fabric of Australia. Providing ancestors with the clues to their rich and productive past.

Creating understanding and awareness of the American contribution to Australia. The project is of benefit to the Australian community in general and the American-Australian community in particular, numbering in hundreds of thousands.

The project will also be of interest to teachers, industry and museums, libraries, institutions, historical organisations, and the wider community.

Corporate involvement and support of local American Australian firms.

Community supporters to date

• The Embassy of the United States of America .

• Museum of Victoria

• Central Queensland University

• Choice Hotels

Promotion/marketing

Target audiences : Targeting mainstream, American-Australian and multicultural Australian.

Strategy :

Aim : To create awareness of the contribution of American-Australians, their ancestors, and their role in developing this nation; to mainstream that rich cultural addition to Australia to the wider community.

Involve various American-Australian individuals and communities where Americans and descendants reside, in an ownership program in which the research can also be drawn; and to enable participation to the Projects body of research.

Using mass media applications in electronic and print media with a particular individual community emphasis. Soliciting the assistance of broader historical groups, councils, media, internal publications. ‘Desire to promote this hitherto forgotten yet highly productive group' ‘place American-Australians in an historical context' ‘portal to the American-Australian society in Australia ' . Provide feature material and media releases,

Promote through music, movement, and art, and publicize through an inaugural Awareness Month during the Exhibiting dates, also providing demonstrations of folk American.

Contribute your American ancestors to the Heritage Project….

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Postal: ASAD PO Box 2130 Bayswater Victoria, Australia 3153