Labour was at the heart of convict Australia. It defined the lives of all sentenced men, women and children, much more so than the episodes of brutality and inhumanity which capture our imagination today. Through historical and archaeological methodologies, their lives can be reconstructed to help us learn more about this period of history.

Join Richard Tuffin and Sylvana Szydzik as they discuss their investigation of Port Arthur’s workshops, where prisoners had once been employed in an array of skilled trades: shoemaking, tailoring, carpentry, wheelwrighting, sawmilling, blacksmithing and foundry work. Richard and Sylvana will share their methodology and the preliminary results of their work, as well as reflect on the highs and lows of archaeological excavation.

Presented by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority.

When: 3:30–4:30pm, Thursday 23 May 2024

Where: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania

Cost: Free with site entry ($47 Adult, $22 Child, $38 Concession)