Talk: The Indefatigable Botanist Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller

Who was Mueller, why should we remember him the 200th anniversary of his birthdate? These questions will be covered by Sara Maroske, historian, author and editor, whose writings lie at the intersection of life-writing, history of science and social history.

Sara is an Honorary Associate of the RBG Victoria and an Editor of the Ferdinand von Mueller Correspondence Project. She has spent over three decades accumulating knowledge about Mueller who was born and educated in provincial Germany, migrating to Australia as a young man in 1847. As first Government Botanist of Victoria and Director of the Melbourne Botanic Garden, he became famous internationally for his work as a botanist, explorer and patron of science. Sara’s talk provides an overview of this extraordinary man who devoted his life’s work to his scientific feats and recorded his thoughts and work in writing.

Refreshments from 4.30pm.