The Port Arthur Historic
Site Management Authority presents this semi-regular series of talks by
authoritative speakers on a variety of topics, ranging from history and
conservation to environmental issues, research results, study tours and
much more.
The talks are held every couple of months at the Port Arthur Historic
Site, are free of charge and open to anyone who is interested in the
topic. Rich and varied subjects and speakers make for fascinating
listening and discussion.
For more information about our Port Arthur Talks, please phone 
+61 (0)3 6251 2324.
Forthcoming Port Arthur Talks
The 100th Port Arthur Talk ~ Wednesday 15 June 2016
The life and times of Port Arthur: from convict station to tourism icon and World Heritage
presented by Dr Barry Jones AO, and PAHSMA Board Chair Prof. Sharon Sullivan AO
Further details soon.
Wednesday 17 August 2016
Working on Mawson’s Huts in Antarctica
presented by Marty Passingham
The first expedition by the Mawson’s Huts Foundation was in the
summer of 1997/98. The work undertaken following a heritage assessment a
year earlier almost certainly saved Mawson’s Huts from blowing into the
sea. Since then through fundraising and Commonwealth grants, numerous
expeditions have taken place to conserve this important heritage site –
last visited by Sir Douglas Mawson in 1931.
In December 2015, the latest expedition team set off from Hobart on
‘L’Astrolabe’ headed by team leader Marty Passingham. Marty’s
presentation provides an overview of the conservation works that took
place as well as a general look at living in the remoteness of Cape
Dennison, Antarctica.
Marty Passingham is a heritage carpenter who has worked on Mawson’s
Huts since 2002. He is currently the Works Manager at the Port Arthur
Historic Site.
All welcome.
Wed 17 August, 2016 at 5.30 p.m.
Junior Medical Officer’s House conference room (rear of the house)
Port Arthur Historic Site
For more information call 6251 2324
Thursday 27 October 2016
History in action: performance as interpretation of historic sites
presented by Sue Benner and Alan Andrews
From William Shakespeare to Hilary Mantel, many authors have been
writing about history in a fictional framework. Does fiction dilute
historical fact? And whose facts are the truth? This talk will focus on
the complex nature of writing history that is both narratively
accessible yet holds the integrity of the historical evidence. Sue
Benner will approach the talk from her writing lens and Alan will
discuss his interpretation of the writing through his role as actor.
Sue has been involved in the arts for over 30 years as an
administrator, theatre director and producer, teacher and writer. She is
Chair of the Tasmanian Theatre Company, Chair of the Community Advisory
Committee for the Tasmanian Health and Community Service, President of
the local branch of Tasmanian Regional Arts, a member of the TRA Arts
Advisory Panel, and a Partner in Turin Productions on the Tasman
Peninsula. She is currently involved in the writing and production of
interpretive performances at the Port Arthur Historic Site. One day she
will retire.
Alan trained as an actor at NIDA and has since worked in theatre,
film, television and radio both in Australia and the UK for 44 years.
He represented Port Arthur at the first national conference of ‘The
International Museum Theatre Alliance’ in Canberra and subsequently sat
on ‘The Performance Review Panel’ at the National Museum. He is Vice
President of the local branch of Tasmanian Regional Arts and Artistic
Director of Turin Productions. He has enjoyed being involved in the
research, development and performance of a new Theatre Interpretation
program for Port Arthur this year.
All welcome.
Thur 27 October, 2016 at 5.30 p.m.
Junior Medical Officer’s House conference room (rear of the house)
Port Arthur Historic Site
For more information call 6251 2324
Wednesday 23 November 2016
Better to marry than to burn? Marriage and the reform of women convicts
presented by James Parker
Further details soon.
Documents