New South Wales

Events

16 Apr 2008 : The Aboriginal Question: race, anthropology and things that endure
Come and listen to a talk by Gillian Cowlishaw and Diane Austin-Broos. Dig deeper...

03 May 2008 : Can you dig it?
Become an archaeologist for the day and explore some of the hidden mysteries of ancient worlds! Suitable for children 4-10 years. Further details can be found on the Hurstville City Council website under the St George Regional Museum: http://www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au/PageZone_Museum.asp?z=11&c=276&p=632 Dig deeper...

06 May 2008 : Indiana Jones and the Portrayal of Archaeologists in Pop Culture
This light-hearted illustrated talk takes us on a journey through cinema, novels and other forms of popular culture, looking at the way archaeologists have been portrayed. From romantic action-adventure heroes, such as Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, through to the bumbling harbingers of doom in mummy movies and science fiction, discover the reality of the hat, whip and gun. In conjunction with National Archaeology Week 2008. Presented by Dr Craig Barker. Dig deeper...

13 May 2008 : How Spartan were the Spartans? Beyond the mirage of austerity and conformity
Dr Brian Brennan presents an overview of Spartan society using new archaeological material, recent scholarship and a reappraisal of literary evidence. How much of the Spartan military myth is real, and how can archaeological evidence provide a new way of shedding light on Spartan daily life? In conjunction with National Archaeology Week 2008. Presented by Dr Brian Brennan. Dig deeper...

17 May 2008 2008-05-17 16:00:00 : Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group - Open Day
The Open Day is to co-incide with Archaeology week and our group's 30th Anniversary. Over the past 40 years many old heritage buildings and sites have disappeared from the Penrith area and continue to do so to the present day. With the exception of Nepean District Historical Archaeology Group, no other organisation has attempted to record in depth the history and description of these sites in the Penrith district. During the course of our work we have accumulated an extensive collection of early bricks, pottery, coins, wallpaper samples, nails, building materials and many other items which reflects the lifestyle of the early pioneers of our district. All of the collection will be on display on the open day and members of the group available to answer any questions on the area and early families. We have a number of publications relating to buildings and farms long gone available for sale. Available also to peruse will be a large collection of maps and photographs. The event is free and open to everyone. Light refreshments will be served on the day. There will be a lucky door prize of our publication "In Search of Early Nepean Pioneers" ( value $25). No bookings are required but for further information please contact the society at ndhag@bigpond.com. Dig deeper...

17 May 2008 : Parramatta's Colonial Archaeology
Join the RAHS to mark the beginning of National Archaeology Week 2008 with a walking tour of historical archaeology sites in the Parramatta CBD. This excursion wil be led by RAHS Councillor and historical archaeologist Dr Siobhan Lavelle who will explain the importance of the archaeology of Parramatta as the second NSW settlement founded in 1788. Much of the early town plan established from the 1790s is still visible today. Findings made at recent archaeological digs will be discussed. Participants will also be shown a number of modern developments in Parramatta where the findings and artefacts recovered from archaeological digs have been incorporated into new buildings. The route will take in sites along George, Charles, Smith, Macquarie and Marsden Streets. The walk will be approximately 4 kms of easy walking. The excursion will conclude with a visit to the exciting new Parramatta Justice Precinct where new buildings and a 'heritage courtyard' were specifically planned to conserve, display and interpret the historical archaeology of the former Parramatta Hospital site. More than 200 years of hospital history is represented at the site. Meet at 1:30 pm at the Charles Street Wharf where the ferry comes into Parramatta. Parramatta is 25 km west of the Sydney CBD, approximately 30-40 mins driving time. Paid parking is available in the Parramatta CBD. The Rivercat ferry departs from Circular Quay and arrives at the Parramatta ferry wharf - please check times and costs with Sydney Ferries. Requirements: Drinks, good walking shoes and rain or sun protection Dig deeper...

17 May 2008 : Secret Visitors Revealed: tracking the hidden and forgotten discovery of Australia
Skeptics Dinner Meeting You might have thought that Australia was made known to the rest of the world by the Dutch on their way to Batavia and Captain Cook's voyage up the east coast. Others think that Australia was visited in the past by a range of voyagers from the Vikings, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Romans, Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish, among others. Since 1788 people have speculated on whether the First Fleet was the first non-indigenous occupation of Australia, or whether there were secret visitors forgotten in our past. This view persists to the present, even though there is no historical or archaeological evidence that supports it. This talk has been organised by the Australian Skeptics group and follows the history of the secret visitors idea, some of its key people and theories, and discusses serious issues they raise. Where do these ideas come from? How do archaeologists and historians deal with these ideas? Are they dangerous? If they happened to be true how would you prove it? Can you be a sceptic and still believe this stuff? Denis Gojak, a long-time Skeptic subscriber, is an archaeologist and heritage consultant with more than 25 years experience in uncovering and conserving Australia's history. This includes a long stint at the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Planning as well as running a small but busy consultancy. For further information, please refer to: www.skeptics.com.au email: editor@skeptics.com.au phone: (02)9417 2071 fax: (02) 9417 7930 Please advise the number (and names) of any guests you will be bringing along. Australian Skeptics Dinner, PO Box 268, Roseville NSW 2069 Dig deeper...

18 May 2008 : 'Exploring Pompeii' education programs and travelling exhibition for hire
The St George Regional Museum run various educational programs and have a travelling exhbition for hire on Pompeii. Please contact the museum directly if you are interested. Some details are provided here. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Our programs are interactive, fun and provide a unique hands-on learning experience that give students an appreciation of life in the past! Programs include: - Using a variety of Pompeian replicas to show students the types of objects used in everyday Pompeiian life. Interpretation of objects to show links with trade, daily life, occupations and social status. - Interpretation of Pompeiian graffiti to explain life in the Ancient World. Students have the chance to make their own graffiti using clay! ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRAVELLING EXHIBITION FOR HIRE Exploring Pompeii utilizes archaeological excavations to illustrate the history and life of this once vibrant city. After the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, Pompeii and its treasures remained dormant until 1748. This panel based exhibition delves into the colourful history of Pompeii, its archaeological excavations and the current work of the Anglo American project. Details: - Exhibition comes complete with 12 light weight, easy to install, free standing panels each with their own individual travelling bags - $50.00 (GST incl) a week for maximum of 4 weeks - Themes covered in exhibition tie in with the NSW HSC curriculum Dig deeper...

22 May 2008 : What lies at the bottom of the garden?
Be inspired by archeology and the history of the area. Celebrate life and culture by being a part of an inspiring talk by Ian Rufus, Heritage Interpreter as he looks at the personal stories of how we lived through archaeology. What did happen to all that old stuff from Grandma? Wendy Carlson, Carlson Milliss Art & Heritage Management will discuss Museums as a Social Agent of Development and change focusing on Lithgow and future cultural heritage development. Deborah McGrath, Cultural Development Officer for Lithgow City Council will talk about Eskbank House & Museum and its role in the community as a social and educational resource for Lithgow. Join us for Australias Biggest Morning Tea at the Museum. For details contact: Deborah McGrath on 02 6354 9999 or Eskbank House & Museum on 6351 3557 www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au/eskbank Dig deeper...

22 May 2008 : The Archaeology of Angkor and the Khmer Empire
In conjunction with National Archaeology Week, Professor Roland Fletcher will talk on the archaeology of Angkor from the 12th to the 16th centuries AD, and on the recent work by the Greater Angkor Project (GAP) investigating the decline of urbanism. Dig deeper...

24 May 2008 : Archaeology in The Rocks
This walking tour explores the fascinating archaeological sites of The Rocks and Millers Point. Tour includes a visit to Parbury Ruins - where the foundations of an 1820’s cottage are preserved below ground. Cost includes entry to Susannah Place Museum. Built in 1844, Susannah Place Museum is a terrace of four houses that incorporates a re-created 1915 corner store. The museum provides a rare opportunity to explore domestic working class life from 1844 to 1990. The houses survived largely unchanged through the slum clearances of the early 1900s and the 1970s redevelopment. For nearly 150 years they were home to over a hundred different families. Today the houses speak of these people and their lives, the evidence is still there. The surviving layers of paint finishes, wallpapers and floor coverings provide a valuable insight into the tastes of the working class.The modest interiors and rear yards illustrate the restrictions of 19th century inner city life. Dig deeper...

24 May 2008 : Excavating early Parramatta, its people and landscape
In this talk Mary Casey examines the results of a series of archaeological excavations by Casey & Lowe in the Parramatta CBD (2002-2007). These excavations uncovered the remains of the 2nd and 3rd convict hospitals, the archaeological evidence of the lives of a number of emancipated convicts and free settlers, such as John Hodges, Samuel Larkin, Rev. Walter Lawry, Rowland Hassall and William Byrnes. Among the main evidence for these lives are the remains of buildings and the locally-made and imported ceramics they purchased. As part of furthering our understanding of early Parramatta, Mary has begun to piece together the results of the archaeological work into an understanding the landscape of the lives of the early residents. Also central to understanding the individual lives is how the township evolved under the direction of each of the early governors and how their administrations formed the landscape of Parramatta. Dig deeper...

25 May 2008 : Archaeology Day at Australian Museum
A day for the whole family! The Nicholson and Macleay Museums join forces with the Australian Museum for our annual Archaeology Day. Hear talks about archaeology in Australia and abroad. Handle artefacts from the Nicholson and Macleay collections: Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Australian and Pacific artefacts. Kids’ activities include workshops and excavations. Discover what a dig is all about. This event is held in conjunction with National Archaeology Week 2008. A series of short interactive talks in gallery spaces: · How to wrap a mummy: 10am and 12.30pm · Greek myths and heroes: 10.30am and 1pm · Beneath the Museum walls - the archaeology of Sydney: 11am and 1.30pm · Ancient Olympic games: 11.30 am and 2.30pm Performances: 12noon and 2pm: Aboriginal dance and music sessions Free activities running from 10am - 3pm · Decorate a scarab beetle amulet · Dig for and identify artefacts · See how you look in a Roman toga · Handle real artefacts from the Australian, Nicholson and Macleay Museum collections · Learn what really happens on an archaeological dig · Write your name in Egyptian hieroglyphics AMBS Archaeology and Heritage will be participating in the Australian Museum’s activities for National Archaeology Week. The Archaeology and Heritage team will be mounting a display about local archaeology (Aboriginal and historic) and participating in the Archaeology Day activities in the Australian Museum by telling stories about local artefacts (25 May). Dig deeper...

Exhibitions/Displays

01 May 2008 : Classical Fantasies: The Art of South Italy
The re-discovery of Pompeii in 1748 and the publication of Johann Winckelmann's 'The History of Ancient Art' in 1764 defined art history and archaeology as we know them today. This reawakening of the Classical Ideal (or Neo-Classicism) was to influence art, literature, architecture, furniture and fashion design as well as people such as Josiah Wedgwood and Goethe. Classical Fantasies will use the Nicholson Museum�fs complete collection of over 200 South Italian figured pots from the 5th-3rd centuries BC as a backdrop to explore this extraordinary period in the development of modern culture. www.usyd.edu.au/museums Dig deeper...

01 May 2008 : People, Power, Politics: The First Generation of Anthropologists at the University of Sydney
In 1923, the International Pan Pacific Science Congress, meeting at the University of Sydney, resolved that the need for anthropological investigation was a pressing necessity for our region. Three years later Professor A.R. Radcliffe-Brown took up the Chair of the first Anthropology Department in Australia. This exhibition delves into the experiences of the Anthropology Department’s first generation of anthropologists between 1923 and 1947 – through the people who used anthropology to study others, the politics of their encounters, and governmental and bureaucratic power. Dig deeper...

01 May 2008 : Egypt: Life and Death in The Black Land
From the cradle to the grave – and beyond. Statues of pharaohs, painted mummy coffins; amulets and scarabs; artifacts from daily life to the residue of death; the Book of the Dead; the myths, the legends, the gods. The Nicholson Museum holds the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in Australia. www.usyd.edu.au/museums Dig deeper...

18 May 2008 : Archaeological Relics of First Government House at Museum of Sydney
The Museum of Sydney is built on the site of the earliest foundations of British colonisation in Australia. At this site in 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip built the first Government House; the home, offices and seat of authority for the first nine Governors of New South Wales. In 1983 archaeologists unearthed the original footings of the house, which by a miracle of history had lain preserved since it was demolished in 1846. These archaeological remains are a feature at the Museum of Sydney and can be viewed from the footpath at the front of the Museum at any time. Why not visit the Museum of Sydney whilst you are there (charges apply for museum entry – refer to http://www.hht.net.au/museums/mos/main)! Dig deeper...

18 May 2008 : Archaeological Relics of Australia's First Iron Works
Come and see archaeological relics and interpretation of the Fitz Roy Iron Works in Mittagong, Australia’s first iron works. The iron works commenced operation in the late 1840s. Commercial redevelopment of the site uncovered the nationally significant archaeological remains. Relics have been conserved in-situ in a 40 m x 45 m area of the basement car park of the Highlands Marketplace, Mittagong. This is the largest in-situ conservation outcome for historical relics in NSW. It is also a successful outcome where the history and heritage has been respected within the commercial redevelopment of the site. Relics on site include: puddling furnaces, boiler houses, iron rolling mills and remains of a Chilean mill. The Fitz Roy Iron Works complex is currently under consideration for listing on the State Heritage Register due to the significant archaeological remains. Dig deeper...