Messages from the Grave: A creative journey through history and remembrance

As part of South Australia’s much-loved History Festival, the Council’s exhibition Messages from the Grave offers a moving and imaginative exploration of how cemeteries can deepen our understanding of the past.

Held annually throughout May, History Festival brings South Australians together to celebrate the stories, people, places and ideas that shape who we are.

This year’s Festival theme is Decisions, a concept at the heart of both everyday life and the unfolding of history itself.

As Mayor Robert Bria so aptly said in his opening remarks at the 2 May exhibition launch, “Like in life, history is full of decisions”.

“From personal turning points to political crossroads, history is shaped by the choices people have made,” said Mayor Bria.

 “Making decisions is one of the most common and demanding things we do as individuals and as communities.

“This is why it is decisions that define our lives and make us who we are.”

With this lens, Messages from the Grave invites us to reconsider how past decisions continue to resonate — sometimes quite literally — from beyond the grave.

This thought-provoking exhibition uncovers the symbolism and stories of cemeteries — not only as final resting places but as rich historical texts in their own right.

Gravestones become storytellers, with inscriptions, symbols, grave orientation, and even the concept of grief without a grave, offering insight into the lives, beliefs, and social customs of those who came before us.

Far from being sombre, the exhibition is also a celebration of creativity.

Leading up to the opening of Messages from the Grave, local artists Deborah Smalley and Ruby Chew hosted popular sketching and watercolour workshops that encouraged participants to connect with history through artistic expression.

Under Deborah’s guidance, guests created monochrome sketches of historic tombstones, while Ruby helped bring these scenes to life with vivid floral watercolours.

Their works are now proudly displayed in The Gallery and the foyer of the Eastern Health Authority.

There’s more to come throughout May, with both artists returning to host additional workshops as well as online genealogy training, guided tours and talks to help you with wills and estate planning - spots are filling fast!

Whether you’re drawn to history, art, or both, this is your chance to learn, reflect and create something uniquely your own under the guidance of these talented creatives.

“With knowledge comes power, and perhaps the knowledge gained through this exhibition and the messages we can take from a grave, will ignite you with the power and confidence to make the decisions that will create your future, and a new part of history.”

Let Messages from the Grave inspire you to dig deeper — into history, creativity and the power of lasting memories.

Find out more: Messages from The Grave