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Port Arthur Talks

By Port Arthur Accommodation on May 15, 2016 in

The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority presents this semi-regular series of talks by authoritative speakers on a variety of topics, ranging from history and conservation to environmental issues, research results, study tours and much more.

The talks are held every couple of months at the Port Arthur Historic Site, are free of charge and open to anyone who is interested in the topic. Rich and varied subjects and speakers make for fascinating listening and discussion.

For more information about our Port Arthur Talks, please phone +61 (0)3 6251 2324.

 

Forthcoming Port Arthur Talks

 

The 100th Port Arthur Talk ~ Wednesday 15 June 2016

The life and times of Port Arthur: from convict station to tourism icon and World Heritage

presented by Dr Barry Jones AO, and PAHSMA Board Chair Prof. Sharon Sullivan AO  

Further details soon.


Wednesday 17 August 2016

Working on Mawson’s Huts in Antarctica

presented by Marty Passingham

The first expedition by the Mawson’s Huts Foundation was in the summer of 1997/98.  The work undertaken following a heritage assessment a year earlier almost certainly saved Mawson’s Huts from blowing into the sea.  Since then through fundraising and Commonwealth grants, numerous expeditions have taken place to conserve this important heritage site – last visited by Sir Douglas Mawson in 1931.

In December 2015, the latest expedition team set off from Hobart on ‘L’Astrolabe’ headed by team leader Marty Passingham.  Marty’s presentation provides an overview of the conservation works that took place as well as a general look at living in the remoteness of Cape Dennison, Antarctica.

Marty Passingham is a heritage carpenter who has worked on Mawson’s Huts since 2002. He is currently the Works Manager at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

All welcome.

Wed 17 August, 2016 at 5.30 p.m.

Junior Medical Officer’s House conference room (rear of the house)

Port Arthur Historic Site

For more information call 6251 2324


Thursday 27 October 2016

History in action: performance as interpretation of historic sites

presented by Sue Benner and Alan Andrews

From William Shakespeare to Hilary Mantel, many authors have been writing about history in a fictional framework. Does fiction dilute historical fact? And whose facts are the truth? This talk will focus on the complex nature of writing history that is both narratively accessible yet holds the integrity of the historical evidence. Sue Benner will approach the talk from her writing lens and Alan will discuss his interpretation of the writing through his role as actor.

Sue has been involved in the arts for over 30 years as an administrator, theatre director and producer, teacher and writer. She is Chair of the Tasmanian Theatre Company, Chair of the Community Advisory Committee for the Tasmanian Health and Community Service, President of the local branch of Tasmanian Regional Arts, a member of the TRA Arts Advisory Panel, and a Partner in Turin Productions on the Tasman Peninsula. She is currently involved in the writing and production of interpretive performances at the Port Arthur Historic Site. One day she will retire.

Alan trained as an actor at NIDA and has since worked in theatre, film, television and radio both in Australia and the UK for 44 years.  He represented Port Arthur at the first national conference of  ‘The International Museum Theatre Alliance’ in Canberra and subsequently sat on ‘The Performance Review Panel’ at the National Museum. He is Vice President of the local branch of Tasmanian Regional Arts and Artistic Director of Turin Productions. He has enjoyed being involved in the research, development and performance of a new Theatre Interpretation program for Port Arthur this year.

All welcome.

Thur 27 October, 2016 at 5.30 p.m.

Junior Medical Officer’s House conference room (rear of the house)

Port Arthur Historic Site

For more information call 6251 2324


Wednesday 23 November 2016

Better to marry than to burn? Marriage and the reform of women convicts

presented by James Parker

Further details soon.

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