Celebrating 25 Years of Local History: Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery’s Successful Book Launch
History enthusiasts and book lovers alike gathered at the Eudunda District Hall on Sunday, May 19th, to commemorate a significant milestone in the town’s heritage. The Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery hosted a special book launch event to launch their new publication ‘The First 25 Years.’
The book is an account of the history of the Gallery itself, from the original idea that came about following the town’s 125th anniversary in 1995, to the wonderful, rich repository it is today. The book consists of an official account of the Gallery, detailing the many fundraising efforts, the historic events hosted throughout the years, and the volunteers who supported the Gallery to make it possible to share and preserve stories. Personal reminiscences about the Gallery fill the second half of the book. Volunteers were given the chance to write a piece based on their personal connections to the Gallery, including how the Gallery has shaped their lives, how they have found inspiration or knowledge through the Gallery, and how the Gallery forms an important part of the community. Ranging from poetry and essays to personal letters, the responses are rich with detail about the day-to-day life of the Gallery.
Approximately 90 attendees filled the District Hall, eager to participate in the Gallery’s historic milestone and celebrate the community’s dedication to preserving its rich heritage.
Chairperson of the Gallery’s management committee, Dot Bonner, paid tribute to work of volunteers past and present to build the Gallery and make it what it is today. Dot also paid tribute to the small committee who brought the book to life, consisting of Yvonne Schulz, Jenny Schutz, Fay Grosser, Dot Bonner, and Samuel Doering.
Dot Bonner thanked the Regional Council of Goyder for providing funds to make the book launch possible. She also noted that the costs of printing were met by the Gallery, drawing a parallel between the publication of the book and the gargantuan, volunteer-led fundraising required to purchase the Gallery’s current home in 1999.
Local historian, Samuel Doering, who conducted much of the research and writing on behalf of the committee, officially launched the book. Before speaking, Samuel noted to those present that Dot Bonner was one of the Gallery’s founders, and even its first Chairperson in 1997. He went on to speak about the many key figures in the Gallery’s journey and reflected on the Gallery’s ongoing impact and the importance of preserving local history for future generations. Despite only being 24 years old, Samuel has been a volunteer since 2012.
L-R: Margaret Doecke caught up with ex locals, Peter, Max & Jo Duldig of Adelaide at the Book Launch
Samuel remarked, “In the field of history, we often write about wars, famines, revolutionaries, great political leaders, and the big events of the past. Very rarely do we reflect on the effort it takes to collect stories and preserve history. This account of the Gallery’s extraordinary journey is distinct, because it records the countless volunteers who have generously contributed to the Gallery over its first 25 years.”
Samuel paid particular attention to the hundreds of community events and visiting groups who were catered for by volunteers at the Gallery. Not only was it an act of country hospitality, but also a vital means to raise funds to pay for the Gallery itself. So successful was the fundraising
campaign that the Gallery’s home, purchased in 1999, was paid off within 5 years – half the term of the loan!
The book launch was not only a testament to the Gallery’s achievements but also an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the shared journey of the past 25 years. Guests mingled over a hearty afternoon tea, catered by Gallery volunteers, and had an opportunity to purchase a newly-launched book.
For those unable to attend, copies of “The First 25 Years” are available for purchase at the Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery, and on the Gallery’s website.
by local artist Graham Smith
ED: A great afternoon and as you looked around the room afterward, there was hardly a person not reading the book, sharing a memory with family or friends and generally having a great talk.
There is so much detail, so meticulously researched, writtne and indexed including the many photos Samuel has done a fantastic job of editing the book, and this is now one of the great history books of Eudunda that all should be proud of and own a copy to refer back to.
Thanks to Samuel Doering for supplying the article
