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The Botanic Gardens Special Interest Group

Botanic gardens aren't often thought of as museums. However they clearly fit into Museums Australia's definition of 'museum' in that they help people understand their world - past, present and future. Also botanic gardens are about collections.

Historically botanic gardens grew a great variety of plants, both indigenous and exotic, to test for economic importance and effectiveness as medicines. Now the focus of living collections has shifted to species conservation and environmental education. Thematic landscapes interpret natural and cultural heritage and, as public gardens, botanic gardens provide people from all walks of society with wonderful recreational and educational opportunities. Herbarium collections preserve and record a country's natural heritage and are the cornerstones of taxonomic research by plant scientists.

Like other cultural institutions, botanic gardens employ curatorial staff, scientists and educators; have professional associations, Friends organisations and volunteer support groups; have obligations to provide public programs as well as raise revenue and sponsorship etc. They, too, are established in the public interest as permanent, not-for-profit organisations that contribute long-term value to communities.

This Botanic Gardens Special Interest Group (BGSIG) has been set up in recognition of botanic gardens as a museum type. Since its inception in 1998, there has been a steady increase in membership of this non-financial SIG.

Contacts:

Catherine Brown
Manager, Development
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
E-mail: c_e_gregan@iinet.net.au

Sharon Willoughby
Manager Public Programs
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
E-mail: sharon.willoughby@rbg.vic.gov.au

Like to join this group? Please contact the Museums Australia national office to find out how to join this Special Interest Group. Please note that, in accordance with the Museums Australia Constitution and By-Laws, all members of Museums Australia Special Interest Groups must be current members of Museums Australia.