Presented by the Canberra Archaeological Society.
As part of National Archaeology Week, Dr Peter Dowling will lead a tour to the Cuppacumbalong Cemetery to uncover early pastoral 19th century life in the pre-Canberra region. Using ground penetrating radar (GPR) results, we will reveal what lies below the surface of the cemetery. Join us to understand how archaeological science can preserve heritage and contribute to knowledge of our local history.
About the cemetery. This imposing walled cemetery was constructed of local stone from nearby Mount Tennant and filled with soil from the banks of the Murrumbidgee. Located on a granite outcrop overlooking the junction of the Murrumbidgee and Gudgenby Rivers, the cemetery has four headstones, and a second internal stone wall dominated by an obelisk. The cemetery contains the graves of the De Salis family of the former Cuppacumbalong Station, employees and neighbours. It was constructed in 1878 and contains graves dating up to 1903.
Tour plan:
This tour begins at the Tharwa Bridge Reserve.
We will then walk just over 1 kilometre along a pleasant, shady path next to the Murrumbidgee River, passing the Cuppacumbalong Homestead where we will make a short stop to learn about the establishment of the homestead.
Next stop is the cemetery where we will discuss the location, history and its heritage significance. In 2013 sections of the outer wall collapsed leaving the graves under threat of being washed into the river.
We will discuss the careful surveying of the cemetery using ground penetrating radar and the delicate conservation work required to reinstate and strengthen the wall and protect the graves.
Then, with a copy of the ground penetrating radar plan which was used in the survey tour participants can try their hand at locating the unmarked graves.
We will leisurely retrace our steps along the river path back to the Tharwa Bridge.
Toilets are available at the Tharwa Bridge reserve at the beginning and end of the walk.
Download the flyer here.
When: 10.30am, Saturday 21 May 2022
Where: Meet Tharwa Bridge Reserve, Tharwa ACT 2620
Fee: $5 for general public, free for CAS members
Registrations required: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/19th-c-cemetery-tour-with-peter-dowling-for-national-archaeology-week-tickets-332679111177?fbclid=IwAR1IvvRYZwf7JCqSR8b_z922IOwR96Hj4h7deRCnLB5pqi3zeRrObwKPAuI