William Dampier: Australia's first natural historianPublic Lecture | Updated 1 decade ago William Dampier specimem WA Museum Part of the Dampier 2015 Public Lectures Supported by WA Museum Foundation Marking 300 years since the death of William Dampier Alex George Botanist and author More than half a century before Banks and Cook's voyage to New South Wales, famous privateer and hydrographer William Dampier voyaged to New Holland collecting and describing flora and fauna there, becoming Australia's first natural historian. In preparation for his seminal book on William Dampier, well-known Western Australian botanist Alex George travelled in these famous footprints. The aim was to search for and gather a plant collection that mirrors the specimens collected by Dampier in 1699 (which are now housed in an Oxford Herbarium). Come and explore the insights revealed by Alex George's collection as he reflects on the significance of Dampier’s early collecting. Cost: Free event Bookings: Essential as places are limited, please call 99215080 Museum of Geraldton Mon 23 Mar 2015 10:00am – 11:00am