Field Trip to the John McDouall Stuart Society Exhibition

Rick Moore, President of the John McDouall Society will introduce this session in the RGSSA Library followed by a field trip to the Adelaide Masonic Centre

Two-stage session: RGSSA library, followed by Field Trip to the JMS Society Exhibition in the Adelaide Masonic Centre, North Terrace

John McDouall Stuart was the first European to reach Australia’s geographical centre, thereby solving an important global geographical riddle. Thirst, scurvy and starvation hampered his six expeditions. Using horses and travelling lightly and quickly, Stuart established a ‘new’ method of exploration. Stuart has been described as Australia’s greatest inland explorer. His explorations resulted in the 1863 annexation of a huge area of country to the Government of South Australia. This area became known as the Northern Territory.

In 1871–72 the Australian Overland Telegraph Line was constructed along Stuart's route. There are many interesting relics, artefacts and publications held by the RGS connected to Stuart which range from horses to space travel. We will also discuss the long and strong connections between the RGS, Stuart and his Companions before walking to the John McDouall Stuart Collection - a collection of national significance held in the nearby Adelaide Masonic Centre.

Presented by Rick Moore, President of the John McDouall Society & member of RGSSA