William Dampier: Australia's first natural historian

Public Lecture | Updated 1 decade ago

Plant pressing of the Dampier pea plant
Dampier pea
Image courtesy of Alex George

Part of the Dampier 2015 Public Lectures
Supported by WA Museum Foundation
Marking 300 years since the death of William Dampier

Alex George AM
Botanist and author
6.00pm, 6 March 2015
NWS Theatre, WA Maritime Museum

Over half a century  before Banks' and Cook's voyage to New South Wales, the famous privateer and  hydrographer William Dampier voyaged to New Holland collecting and described flora and fauna, thereby becoming Australia's first natural historian.

In preparation for his seminal book on William Dampier, well-known Western Australian botanist Alex George travelled in Dampier's 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 using the link below or call 1300 134 081