Historical resources inform the future

Jim Main bequest

Our knowledge and understanding of history continues to grow thanks to a generous bequest from one of Flinders University's most ardent historians.

Having studied at Oxford, Mr Jim Main was a Reader in History at Flinders University from its foundation in 1966, specialising in Australian history and 18th and 19th century British history.

When he died in 1984, Mr Main left the Flinders University Library a generous $700,000 bequest in his will.

Guided by the spirit of Mr Main’s life’s work, this financial support now provides students, staff, alumni and researchers with access to more than 100 subject materials in archaeology, drama, scientific explorations and more. The resources range from microfilm and books, to digital assets.

‘Through the generosity of Jim Main’s bequest we have been able to purchase historical items, as well as enriching our collection with new digital resources such as eBooks,’ says Flinders University Associate Librarian Liz Walkley Hall.

This includes the addition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and historical perspectives published in recent years, such as an Australian Indigenous collection containing 841 eBook titles.

‘With online resources providing increased access, students and researchers can engage with this content in new and exciting ways,’ says Liz.
An earlier item purchased through the Jim Main bequest includes The Australian Sketchbook, pictured, by Samuel Thomas Gill (1818-1880), published in 1865 by Hamel & Ferguson in Melbourne.

‘The book includes 25 chromolithographs providing rare insights into early colonial life in Australia, including Aboriginal ceremony,’ says Liz. ‘At nearly 150 years old, it is extraordinary to have this sketchbook in the Library.’

‘Jim Main’s bequest has provided the Flinders community with phenomenal assets that will support research and education into the future.’

If would like to learn more about leaving a donation in your Will please contact Mark Goldsmith, +61 8 7221 8302 mark.goldsmith@flinders.edu.au

mark.goldsmith@flinders.edu.au