During term holidays the Education Centre is open
You can just pop in and engage in interactive displays, discover about life for convict boys or take part in one of our activities.
Saturday 8th September 2012 to Sunday 7th October 2012 will see the Education Centre alive with a range of engaging and fun activities to keep kids busy.
Make a miniature brick, print wall paper, dress a peg doll, make a fantascope or just have fun playing Victorian games.
Join us to find out how convicts made the bricks of Port Arthur, how people entertained themselves by making a fantascope, creating a clothes peg doll or printing wallpaper.
Activities
Convict Brick Making
As you walk around Port Arthur you may notice the bricks are in different states of decay and are different colours. There are reasons for this. Find out what these are and discover how they were made. Make a mini brick for yourself
Peg Doll Making
A child in the 1800s had to learn to entertain themselves with what was available. Learn about costume and toys for children in the 1800’s and make your own doll to take home.
Fantascopes
In 1830, before television, computers and hand - held game machines, the fantascope was invented. See how people entertained themselves at home in the 1800’s and create your own fantascope.
Wall Paper Printing
In 19th century designers were inspired by nature to make stencils and print wallpaper. Learn about creation of wall paper and print some of your own to take home.
How to participate
Access to the Education Centre is included in the cost of Site Entry – our Family Pass offers great value for money, offering entry for two adults and up to six children under 18 years.
We do ask for a gold-coin donation per child, per activity just to cover the cost of materials. A donation box is located within the Education Centre.
No bookings are necessary – just make your way to Port Arthur and there will be signage from the Visitor Centre. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Each activitiy takes about 20 minutes and will be available between 11am-12noon or between 12.30-2pm.