Exploring Geographers' networks 1888 to 1923

Description

Join Professor Michael Roche as he explores the important role geographical societies played in creating and sharing geographical knowledge before geography became an established university discipline.

The presentation examines the history of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia (RGSSA), founded during a period when similar societies were emerging around the world. Professor Roche will discuss the close relationship between geography and exploration, and consider how the RGSSA developed its own geographical perspectives beyond those of Britain and the Royal Geographical Society.

The talk also highlights the RGSSA's contribution to advancing geographical knowledge across Australia and New Zealand through its involvement with the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science between 1893 and 1940.

About Professor Michael Roche

Professor Michael Roche, MA (Hons), PhD, DLitt, completed his PhD in historical geography at Massey University. His research spans the historical and contemporary development of agriculture and forestry in New Zealand, including the frozen meat industry, pip fruit production, First World War soldier settlement schemes, and the history of scientific forestry across the British Empire.

More recently, his work has focused on the development of university geography in New Zealand and its connections with the International Geographical Union.

Professor Roche is the recipient of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia's 2026 Library Research Fellowship and is Emeritus Professor of Geography at Massey University, New Zealand.

Image: View of Wangyarra/Mount Remarkable, South Australia. Country of the Nukunu people.  Photo taken by Charles P. Mountford,1936: SLSA: PRG 1218/34/528B

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