James Cook is regarded as a villain by some, while to others he is a hero.
In a lively talk to be delivered at Sutherland Shire Historical Society's meeting tomorrow (March 20) Kareela resident Elizabeth Adams will examine the Cook "blame game" and the implications of this debate for national unity and reconciliation.
Ms Adams will discuss the ways in which Cook is remembered in Britain and how this differs from memorialisation in Australia. In considering the 'crimes' Cook is often accused of she will highlight contrasting settler and Aboriginal myths.
After a teaching career, Elizabeth Adams has worked as a consultant historian with a special interest in oral history and family, local and Australian social and economic history.
In 2014 she was the inaugural winner of the Society of Australian Genealogists' Croker Prize for Biography, and her 2018 publication, Kareela - Lucky & Liveable, was greeted with widespread acclaim.
Her contributing chapter to East Coast Encounters 1770, reflections on a cultural clash discussed Cook's career 'from Yorkshire to Newfoundland'.
All are welcome to attend this meeting to be held at 1.30pm on Saturday 20 March 2021.
Sutherland Shire Historical Society meets at Stapleton Centre, 3A Stapleton Avenue Sutherland - a short walk from Sutherland station.
Reserve your place at this COVID-safe event by registering at shirehistory@gmail.com
