John Mulvaney facts for kids

John Mulvaney (born Derek John Mulvaney on October 26, 1925 – died September 21, 2016) was a very important Australian archaeologist. He was the first trained archaeologist to focus all his studies on Australia. Many people called him the "father of Australian archaeology" because of his groundbreaking work.

Discovering Australia's Past

John Mulvaney was born in Yarram, Victoria, Australia, on October 26, 1925. He was always interested in history and learning about the past.

His Journey to Archaeology

He started studying history at the University of Melbourne. Later, he went to Clare College, Cambridge in England. There, he specifically studied prehistoric archaeology from different parts of Europe. This training helped him prepare to become the first expert archaeologist focused on Australia. He earned his highest degree, a PhD, from Cambridge in 1970.

First Big Dig

John Mulvaney's first major archaeological dig in Australia was at a place called Fromm's Landing. This site is located on the Murray River in South Australia. He worked there from 1956 to 1960. This excavation was very important for understanding early human life in Australia.

Later Career and Contributions

Throughout his career, John Mulvaney helped write or edit 17 books about archaeology. He also served for many years as a Commissioner for the Australian Heritage Commission. This group helps protect important historical and natural places in Australia. He was also a founding member of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 1969.

John Mulvaney passed away in Canberra on September 21, 2016, at the age of 90.

His Lasting Impact

John Mulvaney is remembered as the "father of Australian archaeology". He was the first university-trained archaeologist to make Australia his main area of study. His work helped us understand how long people have lived in Australia and how they lived.

Helping New Archaeologists

To honor his work, the Australian Academy of the Humanities started the John Mulvaney Fellowship in 2019. This special award helps young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers who are just starting their careers in the humanities.

Recognizing Great Books

The Australian Archaeological Association also created the John Mulvaney Book Award in 2004. This award celebrates books that make a big difference in Australian archaeology. For example, in 2018, a book called Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia by Billy Griffiths won the award. This book talks about some of Mulvaney's important work.

Awards and Honors

John Mulvaney received many awards for his important contributions:

• Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, 1969
• Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), 1982
• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 1991
• Grahame Clark Medal of the British Academy, 1999
• Centenary Medal, 2001
• Rhys Jones Medal, 2004