06/12/2011
The Port Arthur Historic Site has a range of fascinating, hands-on activities on offer this summer that will allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the untold stories of site’s past. The Historic Site also has its ever popular Port Arthur History Plays bringing the Site’s history to life.
The Historic Site’s history and conservation will be highlighted in a series of activities offered under the banner ‘Hands On History’. Kids, large and small will be able to try their hand at stone masonry or seek out some of the site’s furry and feathered fiends, handle real archaeological artefacts from Port Arthur’s hidden history or delve into our magnificent gardens with an expert. A different combination of programs will be offered each day, so please check the website for full program details.
The popular series of three Port Arthur History Plays return, once again under the guidance of actor and director Alan Andrews, who is joined by Tasmanian NIDA graduate John Harding, Affiliate Director of Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company Kai Raisbeck and well-known Hobart actor Bryony Geeves.
The three plays, which each run approximately twenty minutes, are performed twice daily. The plays were written by acclaimed veteran Tasmanian writers Richard Davey, David Young and Les Winspear.
Port Arthur’s Family Fun Activities program, part of the Historic Site’s award-winning Education Program, will operate daily through the summer, offering the chance for visitors to make their own miniature convict brick, peg doll or fantascope while learning about convict era buildings and how children of the period created their own entertainment.
Full details of the Port Arthur Historic Site Summer Program for 2012 are available from www.portarthur.org.au/summer
Access to all activities is included in the cost of site entry.
Help our archaeologists discover the hidden history of Port Arthur.
Many convicts played a part in building Port Arthur, some as skilled tradesmen and others as apprentices.
Making miniature convict bricks is a great way to learn about how Port Arthur was built and worked - a fascinating introduction to our history.
A scene from 'A Boy's Life', one of the Port Arthur History Plays being performed at the Historic Site this summer.
Join our Gardens expert to walk the gardens and learn about their history and their conservation.
Description Visit our exhibit and discover more about the archaeology of Port Arthur.