ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Foundation
The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Association was constituted in 1872 to promote the establishment of a university in Adelaide. The Association's aims were to secure further members and financial support, appoint professors and lecturers, arrange classes and to establish the university formally by an Act of Parliament.
The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Association Minute Book is an important foundational document in the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide’s history. Its significance is recognised by its inclusion in the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Archives 2013 inscription into the UNESCO ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Memory of the World Register.
Prominent South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns were invited to join the Association and this volume provides an account of the discussions and decisions made. As well as detailing specific resolutions, it includes members’ names, newspaper articles, public circulars, letters, particulars regarding financial contributions and endorsements, and treasurer’s accounts.
Following the passage of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide Act in November 1874, the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Council was appointed and the Association lapsed, holding a final meeting in May 1875 to formally disband itself and authorise transfer of its records to the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥.
Digitisation of a ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ treasure
In 2017, a project was undertaken to digitise the volume in order to further promote its significance, create awareness, increase access and contribute to its preservation. Beginning with digital scanning, the project entailed a transcription process and the compilation of a summary and index to assist researchers.
The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Archives appreciates the contribution of Mandy Mayer who undertook the project as part of her studies for the award of Graduate Diploma of Information Management.