Mandurah Community Excavations
Extent Heritage WA were delighted to conduct archaeological excavations at the Mandurah Community Museum from Wednesday 29 January to Friday 31 January 2020 and have members of the local community be part of the experience.
The property has a diverse history. This particular area was alongside the historical Dalrymple School room, which opened in 1900, and later became the local Police Station in 1939, with add-ons in the 1960s. This was the last opportunity to undertake an archaeological dig before the reflooring of the Environment Gallery of the Mandurah Museum.
ASSIST AN ARCHAEOLOGIST
Within the Environment Room at the Museum members of the community were given the chance to observe and assist archaeologists as part of the Museum’s Public Engagement Program. Participants were also able to see how an archaeological excavation is set up, how sampling strategies are decided and implemented, the tools that are used in excavations and how excavations are recorded.
There’s no better way to build respect and value for heritage than to experience it first hand.
RAIDERS OF THE LOST YARD
Demonstration excavation pits were set up in the Museum yard, just near the Old Schoolroom excavation in this event hosted by the Extent Heritage WA archaeologists. Raiders of the Lost Yard was a chance for juniors aged 5+ and their parents to get some hands-on archaeological experience which started with a run-through of the safety requirements and equipment as well as demonstrating how archaeological tools are used to excavate before the children were let loose on their own mini-excavation pits. Even some of the parents were keen to be involved with the sieving and digging. Following the excavations, the children bagged and catalogued their finds and were then presented with a certificate.
We’re hoping to spark a new generation of archaeologists and heritage specialists.
TALKIN’ BOUT MY EXCAVATION
Visitors were invited to listen to the Museum Development Officer and Extent Heritage archaeologists including Peter Douglas and Ryan Crawford, talk about the background to the project and the Old Schoolroom, the process involved in preparing for and undertaking the archaeological investigations at the museum, why it was done, what was found and what will happen next.
Thanks to the City of Mandurah for involving us in this community collaboration.