SESSION 1: 

‘Revolutions and Refuge: The 1848 German Migration to South Australia’ presented by Samuel Doering

Tickets

Join us for an engaging talk that delves into the profound impacts of the 1848 Revolutions in Europe and how they shaped the migration of skilled German individuals to South Australia. This talk will explore the Berlin Emigration Society, founded in the wake of political upheaval, with support from Leopold von Buch. Aimed at understanding the socio-political motivations behind this society, this presentation will examine the stories of key figures such as Richard Schomburgk, Carl Linger, Theodor Büring, and Carl Mücke, who left their homeland seeking refuge and new opportunities in South Australia.

Through this presentation, we will uncover how the 48ers—many of whom were politically active or intellectuals—brought with them not just their skills but also their enlightened ideas, shaping both Adelaide’s emerging German community and its broader social landscape. Explore how these migrants navigated their identity in the context of South Australia’s unique settler society, interacted with British settlers, and engaged with First Nations peoples, revealing a complex web of cultural tensions and synergies.

This presentation invites an exploration of migration, identity, and political thought in 19th-century Australia, shedding new light on the legacy of these extraordinary German migrants who deserve greater recognition.

Presentation time: Tuesday, 6 May 2025, 6:30 pm
Presentation duration: 20-25 minutes

Please note: tickets include x3 presentations by Samuel Doering, Gillian Dooley, and Dr Noris Ioannou.

Image: St. Paul’s Church, Frankfurt am Main, 2025, David Vasicek.