At their core, souvenirs are more than just objects – they are reminders and memories of past activities. Hospitals too, have a history of selling and exchanging souvenirs and gifts. Whether it’s a commemorative keyring or a wine glass celebrating decades of nurse training, these items hold stories of the past. Below are a small sample from the museum’s collection – what’s your favourite souvenir?
Souvenirs with Purpose
Why would hospitals such as Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth hospital sell souvenirs?
- Fundraising: Souvenirs have often been used to raise money for our hospitals. For example, the Royal Adelaide Hospital tea towel (1968) was sold to support the Hospital Auxiliary. These fundraisers helped fund equipment purchases and upgrades and other improvements in the hospital.
- Awareness and Education: Souvenirs can also carry an educational message, promoting health awareness or commemorating milestones in medical history. Take, for example, the calorie counting tray (1959), which highlights nutrition education.
- Community Connection: Locally themed souvenirs reflect our hospitals connection to its community. For instance, wine bottles from South Australian vineyards have been used in commemorative hospital events.
1991 and 2004
Gifts Given
Besides souvenirs sold to staff and the public, our hospitals have also received special gifts from institutions around the world, representing moments of cultural exchange and professional friendship.
Silver Dish from Chiangmai University, Thailand (1996): Engraved with best wishes, this gift symbolises the strong ties between South Australian and Thai nursing faculties.
Smoked Glass Bowl from Fudan University, China (2010): Presented to the Joanna Briggs Institute, this piece commemorates collaboration in nursing research and education.
Federation Chairs from Dublin, Ireland (1901): These historic chairs were a gift from the Adelaide Hospital in Dublin to its South Australian namesake, celebrating the Federation of Australia.
Commemorating Milestones:
Some souvenirs reflect key moments in hospital history, such as The Queen Elizabeth Hospital celebratory wine glass, recognising 35 years of nurse training (1993). Others like the Covid-19 testing clinic keyring, offer a modern perspective, acknowledging the incredible efforts of staff during the pandemic.
Which hospital souvenir is your favourite? Share your story with us!
Written by Margot Way, CALHN Health Museum