Level 3 Mortlock Wing State Library of South Australia North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000
Death site relics

Rare Books Group

Relics from the Calvert Expedition in Central and Northern WA, 1896-97

Dymphna Cudmore

Come to hear 3 stories in one - First the story of courage, duress and death of 2 explorers in 1896!  Secondly hear about an amazing journey 100 years later. Thirdly in 2024 the RELICS team come to life!

First the story of courage, duress and death of 2 explorers in 1896! 

Larry Wells led the Calvert Exploring Expedition to map the remaining unknown desert regions of WA. Seven men and 20 camels set out – only 5 men returned. They offloaded equipment to lighten their load as water was scarce and camels dying. Two men perished, the Expedition ceased and it took 5 search expeditions to locate the mummified corpses 7 months later. 

Secondly hear about an amazing journey 100 years later

These relics and those also found over the preceding 10 years have been donated to the RGSSA and are a wonderful insight into the past.

Thirdly in 2024 the RELICS team come to life

We 4 “Relics” – Liz, George, Peter and Dymphna are currently recording, photographing & digitizing the relics for display and storage. You will hear some special stories and see some relics. What was left behind? It is intriguing!

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To help advance the Society’s objectives will you also consider making a tax deductible donation to the Society’s Trust Funds to promote geographical learning?

The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia Inc. Trust Funds are to support, sponsor, encourage or promote projects or other activities for scientific study of any or all aspects of geography and/or the educational applications or dissemination of the findings thereof. The funds either provide for growth in our geographical Library knowledge and information services; or are applied to more general geographical activities, awards and scholarship.

Date and Time

23 April 2026 | 10:30 am

Location
Morgan Thomas Room, State Library of SA
Cost

Members: $Gold coin
Non members: $5