2018 Maitland Gaol Activities Program
Contents SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROGRAM
4
EXHIBITION PROGRAM
9
SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS
22
GUIDED TOURS
23
EVENT PROGRAM DECEMBER 2017 Exhibition: Behind These Walls
9
Exhibition: Captured
10
Exhibition: Caring for the Incarcerated
10
20 Years On
13
JANUARY Summer school holidays program 20 Years On: Open Day
5 14
MARCH Exhibition: 170 Years Later
11
Changing Seasons: Meal and Tour
15
APRIL Autumn school holidays program
6
Seniors Week
16
Friday the 13th The Night Watch
17
MAY Maitland Gaol Occasional Series
18
The program, times, dates and prices are correct at the time of publishing. Maitland Gaol reserves the right to delete, alter or change the price of any items in the program without notice. Tour prices are valid until 30 June 2018. Bookings are essential for all events. Visitors to Maitland Gaol are advised that exhibitions and interpretation throughout the site may contain images of persons who have died.
JUNE Changing Seasons: Meal and Tour
15
JULY Winter school holidays program Friday the 13th Kids Lockdown
7 19
AUGUST Exhibition: Prisoner Processing
11
SEPTEMBER Spring school holidays program Maitland Gaol Occasional Series Changing Seasons: A Bite Behind Bars
8 18 20
NOVEMBER Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival
21
DECEMBER Exhibition: The Guilty in Green Changing Seasons: Meal and Tour
t 02 4936 6482 info@maitlandgaol.com.au maitlandgaol.com.au
12 15
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROGRAM Each and every school holidays in 2018 Maitland Gaol is offering adults at children’s prices for the self guided audio tours and guided day tours. Take advantage of the discounted tours, which make a Maitland Gaol tour an affordable excuse to temporarily lock up your kids during the school holidays. The self guided audio tours are available daily throughout the holidays. Guided tours or children’s activities will also run daily where expert guides will show you through the Gaol, telling you about its vibrant history and some untold stories. Each school holiday period has a range of fun activities scheduled for children. Please see the individual school holiday periods in this program for further information on the activities available. Visit the website for the latest dates and times of each school holiday activity closer to the holiday period. Summer school holidays: 20 December - 29 January Autumn school holidays: 14 - 30 April Winter school holidays: 7 - 22 July Spring school holidays: 29 September - 14 October
4
SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 20 December 2017 - 29 January 2018
DETAINEE DRILL
Ever wondered what the prisoners of yesteryear spent their time doing? Find out on this fun filled mini tour and detainee drill activity. After checking the prisoner’s accommodation for one hour, children will have the opportunity to learn and perform the exercise routine undertaken by prisoners to keep fit in the early 1900s. Sure to bring some laughs, this activity and tour gives a small glimpse into the interesting lives of the prisoners of Maitland Gaol at the turn of the 20th century. Suitable for ages 5 - 15 years $10 per child*
PAINT YOUR PLACE
For 150 years many prisoners called Maitland Gaol home. During this activity, be guided on a one hour mini tour and learn about the different buildings, industries the prisoners worked in and what their daily routine consisted of. At the end of the tour, children are encouraged to paint their interpretation of the ‘place’ many prisoners called home. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years $10 per child* *One adult per child complimentary for children’s activities.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
5
AUTUMN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 14 - 30 April
DIG FOR GAOL TREASURE
Digging for treasure at the Gaol seems odd, doesn’t it? But during this mini tour children will get to see and hear about some of the interesting things that have been found on the site. They will even get the opportunity to become archaeologists themselves, where they can dig in tubs to see what treasures they can discover. Each child will leave with their very own archaeologist certificate. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years $10 per child*
CREATE A PEG DOLL
Come along to Maitland Gaol these school holidays and enjoy a mini tour and the opportunity to make your very own peg doll. Making peg dolls is an activity from the past and was popular amongst children in the 19th century when they had to entertain themselves with whatever materials they could find. It will also give children the opportunity to learn how prison uniforms have changed over the ages. There will be four designs to choose from including a prisoner, governor, governor’s wife and matron. You can also purchase the other designs to make at home. Suitable for ages 5 - 14 years $10 per child* *One adult per child complimentary for children’s activities.
6
WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 7 - 22 July
BEANBAG CINEMA
In the spirit of fun, a beanbag cinema will be set up in the Gaol’s Auditorium. The cinema is a great way of staying out of the cold winter winds and gives you the opportunity to watch some classic children’s films at a great family friendly price. During the winter school holidays we will be screening two films with popcorn and Maltesers available to purchase. Why not enjoy a movie behind bars these school holidays. Drinks will not be available for purchase, please BYO plastic containers only. Suitable for ages 5 - 14 years $5 per child*
JUNIOR SLEUTH: FINGERPRINTING
Check out the brand new junior sleuth series of activities at Maitland Gaol starting these school holidays. To get prisoners behind bars, you first have to be able to catch them and then process them. Fingerprinting makes up an important part of both these processes. Junior sleuths will get a mini tour of the Gaol before learning how to dust for fingerprints. Once they’ve caught the perp we’ll process their fingers as a special souvenir to take home. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years $10 per child* *One adult per child complimentary for children’s activities.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
7
SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 29 September - 14 October
SCARECROW SCAVENGER HUNT
Help the Maitland Gaol team prepare for the planting of the spring gardens by building scarecrows to ward off pesky birds and bugs. To make it super fun, participants will break into groups and each group will get clues and a map to help them find different pieces of the scarecrow. The group will come back together after we’ve found the pieces to build, stuff and name the scarecrow. It will then be planted in the garden for visitors to enjoy throughout the spring and summer. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years $10 per child*
JUNIOR SLEUTH: PRISONER DESCRIPTIONS
Junior sleuth is back, this time learning all about prisoner descriptions. We caught the crims last school holidays and this time they are getting locked up. Following a mini tour of the site, everyone will get an opportunity to buddy up and create a prisoner description of their partner. This will include hair colour, eye colour, height, age and an instant photograph. If all goes well, each new prisoner will be released upon their exit, marked by a big red stamp. Come along and learn all about prisoner descriptions, what they are used for and why they are important. Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years $10 per child* *One adult per child complimentary for children’s activities.
8
EXHIBITION PROGRAM Throughout 2018 Maitland Gaol will host a series of temporary exhibitions. All exhibitions will be on show for an extended period and provide a strong link to the many fascinating stories and years of history at Maitland Gaol. Check the website for the latest information, exact dates and events around these exhibitions. Entry into all exhibitions is included in the entry price for Maitland Gaol.
BEHIND THESE WALLS: PHOTOGRAPHS OF DECOMMISSIONED AUSTRALIAN PRISONS AND GAOLS 16 December 2017 - 23 February 2018 Brett Dicks is a photographer, born and raised in Sydney, before moving to America to pursue his artistic career. During his travels Brett developed a passion for photographing abandoned and decommissioned prisons and enjoys the angles and textures left behind. For the first time, he has undertaken a comprehensive look at decommissioned facilities around Australia and these photographs will make up the exhibition to be held in B Wing. The exhibition will recognise B Wing’s 150 year anniversary and commemorate 20 years since Maitland Gaol closed as a correctional institution. A series of events and workshops, as part of 20 Years On, will be announced around this exhibition.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
9
CAPTURED: PORTRAITS OF CRIME 1870 – 1930 18 December 2017 - 23 February 2018
This travelling exhibition has been supplied by State Archives and Records NSW and explores the stories of men, women and children incarcerated in New South Wales gaols between 1870 and 1930. The exhibition allows visitors to engage with photographic portraits and descriptions sourced from the State Archives Collection of Gaol photographic description books. The records have been digitised and interpreted through additional research about each individual, helping to illuminate the events that led ordinary people to commit crimes.
CARING FOR THE INCARCERATED: EXPLORING 200 YEARS OF HISTORY WITHIN THE PRISON MEDICAL SERVICE 18 December 2017 - 23 February 2018 Medical practitioners played key roles in early NSW history including the prison medical service. Following federation the prison medical service continued to influence and be influenced by national and international movements in medicine. This exhibition examines key moments from the last 200 years of the NSW prison medical service. It seeks to address the longstanding questions around illness in prison and the response to it, inviting visitors on a journey through this hidden history.
10
170 YEARS LATER 12 March - 20 July During 2018, Maitland Gaol will commemorate reaching 170 years of age. Although decommissioned in 1998, Maitland Gaol has not been out of use since that time. Opened to the public just months after its closing, it continues as a premier regional tourist attraction with over 25,000 visitors a year. 170 Years Later will pull out important moments of the Gaol’s history, including Edward Denny Day’s contribution to the sandstone buildings on the hill in East Maitland and the announcement of the Gaol closure in 1995. Come along to catch a glimpse into 150 years of operation as a correctional institution and 20 years as a tourist attraction
PRISONER PROCESSING 13 August - 18 November Discover the way criminals are processed to become a prisoner with this exciting exhibition. From arriving on the Corrective Services truck through the large green gates, to being assigned a cell and undergoing a medical examination, these are all topics that will be explored as part of the displays and information. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after criminals are taken from the courthouse cells, check out this exhibition in mid 2018.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
11
THE GUILTY IN GREEN 17 December 2018 - 22 February 2019 Prisoners have almost exclusively been dressed in green since the 1970s, however this wasn’t always the case. The exhibition aims to give visitors an understanding of uniforms through the ages, for both prisoners and prison officers. A collection of uniforms will be on display to signify the distinct difference between prisoners and prison officers. Maitland Gaol was a prison outpost, far from the bustling streets of Sydney. Many early prisoners were forced to wear the clothes they came with, no matter how filthy they were because the Gaol just didn’t have the supply of uniforms to fit them out. In this exhibition, learn all about the progression of uniforms during the Gaol’s operation as a correctional institution.
12
20 YEARS ON On 29 January 1998 Maitland Gaol closed its gates to New South Wales prisoners for the last time. To commemorate this occasion a series of activities are planned throughout December 2017, January and February 2018. The program will include a number of travelling exhibitions, an open day and official commemoration function. Please check the website for a detailed program of events. December 2017 - February 2018
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
13
20 YEARS ON: OPEN DAY To commemorate 20 years since the Gaol’s decommissioning, Maitland Gaol will be swinging open the gates for members of the community. For the nominal entry fee of a gold coin families can catch a glimpse behind the Gaol walls and participate in a number of free activities programmed throughout the day. There will be delicious street food, exhibitions, tours and some extra special activities (for a small fee) that all relate to the history of the site. Finish the school holidays off with a bang this January by joining us to celebrate 20 Years On. Sunday 28 January 10.00am - 4.00pm Gold coin donation Please wear appropriate footwear and sun protection.
14
CHANGING SEASONS: MEAL AND TOUR For the first time, visitors will be able to book into a public meal and tour package. Beginning in March this package will offer an onsite dinner themed around seasonal produce, followed by a guided tour of the site lasting 90 minutes. The package will be offered again in June with a winter theme, a special lunch edition for Father’s Day in September and a festive version to round out the year for Christmas. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Gaol in a different light, get together a small group of friends and experience one of our changing season’s specialties. Friday 9 March Friday 8 June Sunday 2 September (see A Bite Behind Bars) Friday 14 December Tickets must be pre-purchased.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
15
SENIORS WEEK If only these walls could talk, well this Seniors Week they will. Join our experienced guide for a mini tour of the site followed by morning tea provided by East Maitland Country Women’s Association and a presentation about life behind bars. Held in the Auditorium, the presentation will explore the truth about life in a maximum security gaol. Tuesday 10 April 10.00am Free of charge Offered to seniors only (must present seniors card).
16
FRIDAY THE 13TH THE NIGHT WATCH With only two Black Fridays in 2018, you don’t want to miss this sleepover. People have long been intrigued by the mysteries and the tales of spirits lurking within the darkened cells of Maitland Gaol. Come along and test your nerve with a guided tour of the site before joining in the search for ghosts with Newcastle Ghost Tours. Once the spirits are awake and ready to play, its then time for you to bunk down in your cell for the night. Tea and coffee will be provided after the tour. This sleepover is not for the feint hearted or those scared of the dark. Friday 13 April 9.30pm - 7.00am (the following day) $105 per person Must be over 15 years of age.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
17
MAITLAND GAOL OCCASIONAL SERIES Throughout 2018 Maitland Gaol will be offering an occasional series of talks and discussions around varying themes. Kicking off during the Australian Heritage Festival in May, these talks will provide insights into varying and interesting aspects of prison life and NSW prisons and their environments linked to community activities and celebrations. They may also be dotted with discussions and book launches as they come to hand. Additional information regarding this program will be available on the website and Facebook closer to the event dates. May as part of Australian Heritage Festival September as part of NSW History Week Free of charge
18
FRIDAY THE 13TH KIDS LOCKDOWN For the very first time, children and their parents will have an opportunity to experience a Maitland Gaol Sleepover. Arriving at 8.30pm everyone will have the opportunity to check out their cell for the night before going on a family friendly guided torchlight tour. Once the tour has finished, special Friday the 13th activities will be offered before everyone bunks into their cell for the night. From 7.00am the following day a BBQ breakfast will be offered to help everyone wake up and fill their bellies before leaving the site. Available for children aged 8 - 15 years Friday 13 July 8.30pm - 8.00am (the following day) $50 per person Accompanying adult must be in attendance.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
19
CHANGING SEASONS: A BITE BEHIND BARS Dads are the hardest to buy for, so make it easy on yourself this Father’s Day. A Bite Behind Bars will lure dad in with lunch, including a dessert prisoners could only dream of before a guided tour of the site. Impress your dad this Father’s Day with an experience behind bars. Get in early to avoid disappointment. Sunday 2 September 12.00pm - 3.00pm
20
BITTER & TWISTED BOUTIQUE BEER FESTIVAL Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival is a celebration of beer, music and food and is held in the grounds of Maitland Gaol over the first weekend of November. Enjoy over 80 craft beers, the best line up of bands, food from across the globe, home brew masterclasses plus a few twisted surprises. Saturday 3 November 10.00am – 6.00pm Sunday 4 November 10.00am – 4.00pm bitterandtwisted.com.au
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
21
SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS DAILY Unlock the gates to Maitland Gaol by taking one of three daily self guided audio tours of the facility and get a different perspective of the Gaol by exploring the site at your own pace. Wander the grounds walking in the steps of prisoners of the past, weaving in and out of the cells that some of the country’s most notorious criminals called home. Maitland Gaol Revealed gives you an insight into the history of the Gaol and what it was like to work and live inside, Escaping Maitland Gaol explores the numerous successful and unsuccessful escapes from the Gaol’s walls and Snitch’s Gaol Exploration is specifically designed for children aged 4 – 12 years. Each tour takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Auslan and captioned tours also available. 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday $23 per adult $17 per child or concession
MAITLAND GAOL APP
A discounted entry price is available for visitors who have downloaded the tour to their own device. Search for ‘Maitland Gaol’ in the App Store or Google Play Store. Bring your own device prices $17 per adult $12 per child or concession 22
GUIDED TOURS AT SCHEDULED TIMES
Run regularly throughout the year, Maitland Gaol offers a variety of themed guided tours where you can hear firsthand the captivating stories of working and living behind bars inside the maximum security prison. Some of the guided tours may contain material not suitable for children aged 14 years and under (or for adults who may be a bit squeamish). The guided tours run between 90 minutes and 240 minutes. A great option for new comers is the 150 Years under Lock and Key tour which gives visitors a good overview of the Gaol’s 150 years of operation. Other tours are more specifically themed including; Ex-Warder, Escapes, Escapes Torchlight and Crimes of Passion. For those after a spooky experience we recommend checking out the specialised products such as A Psychic Experience, Ghost Hunting 101 or Advanced Ghost Hunting (240 minutes). Please check availability, pricing and details online or by contacting Maitland Gaol on 02 4936 6482.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
23
6 – 18 John Street East Maitland 2323 02 4936 6482 info@maitlandgaol.com.au
maitlandgaol.com.au Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm Last entry at 3.00pm