iPUBLICATION OF AUSTRALIA’S MARITIME HERITAGE

Media release.

The Hon Simon Crean MP

Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Minister for the Arts

One hundred stories and one hundred objects ­­– from Indigenous bark paintings that share sacred knowledge of sea country, a silver medallion engraved by a First Fleet convict and even a boat made from 2,000 beer cans – showcase the rich diversity of Australia’s maritime heritage to new audiences in a publication launched today.

Arts Minister Simon Crean said 100 Stories from the Australian National Maritime Museum marks the beginning of a cutting edge partnership between the National Maritime Museum, New South Publishing and Apple.

“I’m pleased that as well as being released in hardcopy, 100 Stories will also be made available online as a teaching and research resource,” Mr Crean said.

“We have a rich and fascinating maritime history and these stories will resonate with Australians whether they access them as a book, an iBook or in the classroom.

“The partnership leverages each organisation’s strengths to publish this iBook side-by-side with a hardcopy version, making these important stories as accessible to as many people as possible.

“Our national collecting institutions, like the Maritime Museum, hold a vast amount of historical documents, objects and material that tell Australia’s story.

“The Museum has taken an important step towards realising the enormous potential of digital technology and the capacity to reach a much wider audience with the release of 100 Stories online.

“The move to online publishing is an exciting development as the Australian Government rolls out the National Broadband Network and beds down the National Curriculum.

“I’m a great believer in partnerships to deliver projects and congratulate the Australian National Maritime Museum, New South Publishing and Apple for joining the dots between culture, innovative technology and education.”