The Girl Guides South Australia Historical Archives collection is managed by mostly retired members of the Trefoil Guild. It contains historical documents, photographs, memorabilia, honour boards, books, badges camp blankets, flags and banners spanning over 100 years from girl guide units located all over South Australia. The collection includes the Pam Taunton Vintage Uniform Collection.
Items of significance include: uniforms which date back to 1912, the original State Standard and District standards including Holdfast, Prospect, Clare and Adelaide; personal papers from SA first guider Ellie Wymiss as well as personal papers from other significant South Australians.
The GGSA Archives Centre at Douglas Scrub is home to a small but evolving permanent display, showcasing key items from the archives. In addition, temporary exhibitions are periodically mounted to commemorate anniversaries, special events, and milestones in the history of Girl Guiding in South Australia. These displays provide visitors with an engaging way to explore the history of the movement and its impact both locally and globally.
The GGSA Archives is a vital resource for anyone interested in the enduring legacy of the Girl Guides in South Australia, from its foundational leaders to its ongoing contributions to youth development and international cooperation. Through these collections, the archives preserve the stories, traditions, and values that continue to shape the movement today.
A second facility at Manor Farm houses the Pam Taunton Vintage Uniform Collection as well as flags and banners.
Pam Taunton Vintage Uniform Collection:
One of the most visually captivating aspects of the GGSA Archives is the Pam Taunton Vintage Uniform Collection. This collection offers a fascinating look at the evolution of Girl Guide uniforms over time, from the earliest days of the movement in South Australia. It includes a wide range of historical uniforms, each telling the story of the changing design, materials, and fashion trends over the decades, including the only known complete Guide International Service (1945-1952) uniforms in Australia.
The collection not only illustrates the practical aspects of these uniforms but also reflects the broader social and cultural shifts that have influenced the Girl Guide movement. The uniforms document the changing roles of girls and young women in society, as well as the evolution of the organization’s values and philosophies. For anyone interested in the cultural and historical aspects of Guiding, this collection offers a rich, tangible record of the movement’s history.
