We were greeted by an enthusiastic tour guide who gave us a rundown of the history that stood before us and then we began our visit. Our first activity gave us an insight into garbology, the study of a community or culture by analysing their waste. As a class, we partook in this activity by exploring simulated litter and determining who the garbage belonged to and what period of time it was from. By involving ourselves in this project we learnt about the garbologists who explored the waste found in the Hyde Park Barracks and used it to determine the lives of convicts and women living in the Barracks. For our next few activities, we walked through the barracks where we saw items from the asylum, smoke pipes from the convicts and the hammocks that convicts used to sleep in. By being exposed to these artefacts, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of what daily life used to be like at the Hyde Park Barracks. Our final activity was an archeological dig where we had to find artefacts and determine the historical significance surrounding them. During this activity our class found items such as a religious pendant, a porcelain bowl, pieces of clothing and other informative pieces. This related to the archeologists at the Barracks who spent their time digging up artefacts and determining the historical significance surrounding them. For example, many archeologists found old packs of cards and other games that the convicts would use to spend their time. Overall, our trip to the Hyde Park Barracks was a beneficial experience and opportunity that allowed us to learn about the history surrounding Australia and the lives of convicts during the 19th century. 

Aisha Aboud - HSIE Teacher