27 December - 27 January
The Port Arthur Historic Site offers many activities for families to enjoy together.
From 12pm to 3pm drop in to the Education Centre (The Accountant’s
House) to play 19th century games or try making your own convict tattoo,
making a peg doll, designing a convict love token or learn the art of
letter writing and wax-sealing Victorian-style.
Convict Tattoos
Over 37% of male convicts who were transported were recorded as having
at least one tattoo. Discover the hidden meanings behind convict body
art and make your own temporary tattoo.
Peg Dolls
A child in the 1800s had to entertain themselves with the materials that
were available. Learn about costume and toys for children in the
Victorian era and create a peg doll to take home.
Signed & Sealed
Discover the etiquette of 19th century letter-writing and try your hand
at writing a letter in copperplate calligraphy. Visitors will also learn
how to fold their letter to keep it secret and apply a traditional wax
seal.
Convict Love Tokens
Before they were transported across the seas, many convicts made a token
for their loved ones to remember them by. Find out more about these
personal mementos and make your own copper token to take home.
Having a whale(boat) of a time!
For two weeks (6-18 January) we will be docking in the Gallery to share
seafaring stories of the settlement. On display will be a three-metre
model of a whaleboat built by local school students using traditional
techniques. Kids will have the chance to learn about the boat-building
process and make their own model boat to take home.
Click here for the full brochure and timetable of activities not to be missed.