William Dampier: Australia's first natural historian Mon 23 Mar 2015 10:00am – 11:00am Museum of Geraldton 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 William Dampier specimem WA Museum Getting Here Address Museum of Geraldton 2 Museum Place, Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton, Western Australia, 6530, Australia Phone (08) 9431 8393 By Bus The Western Australian Museum — Geraldton is located within walking distance of Chapman Rd bus-stop, which is serviced by the 501 service. Visit the PTA website for timetables. By Car Parking is available onsite. Accessibility Accessibility information about the Western Australian Museum — Geraldton can be found on the Access WA website.