What is the role of the archaeologist? What evidence do they work with? How can they use documentary records to help interpret physical evidence? What perspective does archaeology give you that historical records might not?

During this hands-on archaeology program, students use artefacts – including the building – to investigate the layered history of the Hyde Park Barracks and the people who lived there during the 19th century.

Throughout this program students will:

• Excavate, analyse, record and interpret a range of authentic artefacts
• Use physical and documentary evidence to answer an inquiry question
• Think critically about archaeology and what it can tell them about human experience

Students will undertake a historical inquiry into the lives of female immigrants, applying the processes and methods of both the historian and the archaeologist to draw their own conclusions about both physical and documentary evidence.

The program also includes a simulated archaeological dig in our purpose built trenches. During this activity students work in small groups to excavate, categorise, weigh, measure, sketch and then interpret an artefact.