2019 Maitland Gaol Activities Program
Contents SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS
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GUIDED TOURS
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROGRAM
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EXHIBITION PROGRAM EVENT PROGRAM JANUARY Summer school holiday program Exhibition: Guilty in Green
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FEBRUARY Seniors Festival: Morning Tea and Tour
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MARCH Seasonal Harvest Dinner and Activity
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APRIL Autumn school holidays program Exhibition: Treasure Trove Snitch’s Easter Egg Hunt
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MAY Justice Precinct Tour Launch
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JUNE Seasonal Harvest Dinner and Activity Solstice Slumber: Sleepover
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The program, times and dates are correct at the time of publishing. Prices are subject to change 30 June 2019. Maitland Gaol reserves the right to delete or alter any item in the program without notice. Bookings are essential for all events and activities. Visitors to Maitland Gaol are advised that exhibitions and interpretation throughout the site may contain images of persons who have died.
JULY Winter school holidays program Exhibition: Chain Gang
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AUGUST Tea and Reformation
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SEPTEMBER Spring school holidays program Father’s Day: A Bite Behind Bars 25th Anniversary of The Shawshank Redemption
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OCTOBER Spring school holidays program Seasonal Harvest Dinner and Activity Kids Lockdown
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NOVEMBER Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival Lock in Your Christmas Party Plans
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DECEMBER Seasonal Harvest Dinner and Activity Lock in Your Christmas Party Plans
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Bookings essential, charges apply to most tours and activities. Please check availability, pricing and details online or phone Maitland Gaol on 02 4936 6482.
t 02 4936 6482 info@maitlandgaol.com.au maitlandgaol.com.au
SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS Unlock the gates to Maitland Gaol by taking a self guided audio tour of the facility and get a different perspective of the Gaol by exploring the site at your own pace. Wander the Gaol 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 Last entry at 3.00pm
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.
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GUIDED TOURS 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. The guided tours are offered regulary throughout the year. Please check availablity, pricing and details online or by contacting Maitland Gaol on 02 4936 6482.
150 YEARS UNDER LOCK AND KEY Immerse yourself in the history of Maitland Gaol on this 90 minute tour, discovering stories of all sorts of heroes and villains. Delve into all parts of the site and learn of the changes that have occurred in prisoner treatment throughout the life of this oldest continuously operating correctional facility in Australia. This tour is presented regularly as a public tour and occasionally presented as a public evening Torchlight Tour. It is also available for private groups where it may be adapted to highlight particular aspects of the facility at the request of the group organisers. Suitable for all ages
ESCAPES TOUR Hear stories of the escapes from Maitland Gaol from the unbelievable and amazing to the outright ludicrous. Your guide will escort you around the site, hearing stories of often short lived freedom and information about how the site developed over its 150 year history. Presented regularly as a public tour and a special evening edition presented occasionally. Suitable for all ages Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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EX-WARDER TOUR A 90 minute escorted tour through the site from the perspective of those responsible for operating the facility. Be warned, there are some stories which are not for the faint hearted. Your guide will provide you with information on the history of this maximum security facility and what it was like to look after some of the “worst of the worst�. Be prepared for some harrowing tales. Available days and evenings. Suitable for ages 15 years and over
A PSYCHIC EXPERIENCE Do you believe in the paranormal? Both believers and non-believers alike are fascinated by the psychic stories and phenomena described by our resident psychic guide. To really be immersed in the psychic experience, you will need two and a half hours to hear the history of Maitland Gaol and the people who have passed through its walls. Suitable for ages 15 years and over
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CRIMES OF PASSION Crimes of Passion - they shock and horrify us, but in almost equal measure they intrigue us. Listen to Maitland Gaol come to life with a series of stories focused around Crimes of Passion that ended in incarceration or worse. The stories are entwined with love, suspicion, greed and envy with almost all culminating in a brutal ending. Available only by torchlight, this tour is sure to leave you with the urge to double check your doors are locked at night. Suitable for ages 15 years and over
GHOST HUNTING 101 Starting with the basics you get to try out K2 Meters and voice recorders, and then allow you time to do some investigating on your own. You’ll experience a vigil, an era cue, use a spirit box as well as have time to chat, talk about experiences and have discussion on the topics of ghosts, poltergeists and residual and intelligent hauntings. What better place to do it than at Maitland Gaol? Suitable for ages 15 years and over
PARANORMAL EXPERIENCE Take your ghost hunting experience to the next level with this four hour activity. Investigate with your own equipment or stick with a seasoned investigator and experience a series of experiments designed to reach out to residual energies. Suitable for ages 15 years and over This experience is only offered bimonthly, is for a maximum of 20 people and does not include a tour of the site.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROGRAM Maitland Gaol has a range of fun activities scheduled for children every school holidays throughout 2019. Please see the individual school holiday periods in this program for further information on the activities available. Self guided audio tours are available daily during the school holidays. Guided tours also operate on a range of dates thoughout each school holiday period. Summer school holidays: 22 December - 28 January Autumn school holidays: 13 - 28 April Winter school holidays: 6 - 21 July Spring school holidays: 28 September - 13 October Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and charges apply for all school holiday activities.
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SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 22 December 2018 - 28 January 2019
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. Four new designs replicate uniforms from the Guilty in Green exhibition. One design will be made during each session and you can also purchase the other designs to make at home. Tuesday 8, 15 and 22 January 11.00am Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years
WORKHOUSE WOES: DETAINEE DRILL Workhouse Woes activities give children an opportunity to explore the different types of work prisoners undertook as part of their sentence. Detainee Drill explores the exercise routine which prisoners undertook during the early 20th century. Enjoy a one hour mini tour of the Gaol to learn about how the prisoners lived before having some fun learning the exercise moves. The activity finishes with putting the moves together to create the exact routine prisoners performed daily in Maitland Gaol. Thursday 3, 10, 17 and 24 January 11.00am Suitable for ages 5 - 15 years Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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AUTUMN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 13 - 28 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. Tuesday 16 and 23 April 11.00am Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years
JUNIOR SLEUTHS: PRISONER DESCRIPTIONS Ever wondered what happens when prisoners get to Gaol? Junior Sleuth: Prisoner Descriptions is the activity for you! Following a one hour 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. Come along and learn about prisoner descriptions, what they are used for and why they are important. Take your description home as a lasting memory of junior sleuthing in Maitland Gaol. Thursday 18 and 25 April 11.00am Suitable for ages 5 - 15 years
SNITCH’S EASTER EGG HUNT Read more on Page 17.
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WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 6 - 21 July
JUNIOR SLEUTH: FINGERPRINTING 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 processes. Junior sleuths will take a mini tour of the Gaol before learning how to dust for fingerprints. Children will also learn when fingerprinting was introduced and what Gaols had to do with fingerprinting. Once they’ve caught the perp, we’ll process their fingers as a special souvenir to take home. Tuesday 9 and 16 July 11.00am Suitable for ages 5 - 15 years
WORKHOUSE WOES: BUTTER MAKING Enjoy part two of our Workhouse Woes series these school holidays! Ever wondered what prisoners get up to behind bars? Then come along to Workhouse Woes: Butter Making to learn all about one of the jobs undertaken by prisoners in the earliest days of the Gaol’s history. Children will undertake a mini tour of the site before getting the chance to get hands on and make their very own butter. Having to use all their muscles to make the butter means they are probably going to be a little hungry. Well not only will they make it, but they’ll get to taste it. Thursday 11 and 18 July 11.00am Suitable for ages 5 - 15 years Not suitable for vegans or gluten intolerant.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
28 September - 13 October
JUNIOR SLEUTH: WORD DETECTIVE In order to solve crimes, detectives often had to sift through a series of clues first. During this activity children will be given a puzzle, the clues for which will be provided by the guide during a one hour mini tour of the site. At the conclusion of the tour, children will have the opportunity to piece together the clues to solve the crime. Tuesday 1 and 8 October 11.00am Suitable for ages 5-15 years
WORKHOUSE WOES: GARDENING Workhouse Woes continue these school holidays with children being introduced to one of the most popular jobs in the Gaol – working in the garden. After a one hour guided mini tour, children will get the opportunity to hear about how important the garden was for food production. They’ll then don their gloves and get to plant some seeds in seed trays. The seeds, carefully sown by hand, will be raised until they are big and strong enough to be planted in the Gaol garden. Thursday 3 and 10 October 11.00am Suitable for ages 5 - 12 years
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EXHIBITION PROGRAM Throughout 2019 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. Entry into all exhibitions is included in the entry price for Maitland Gaol. Please check availablity, pricing and details online or by contacting Maitland Gaol on 02 4936 6482.
GUILTY IN GREEN December 2018 - March 2019 Prisoners have almost exclusively been dressed in green since the 1970s, however this wasn’t always the case. 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. 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.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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TREASURE TROVE April - July Over the last 12 months a significant amount of maintenance has been undertaken around the Maitland Gaol site. During this time areas of the Gaol undisturbed for decades have been uncovered and this exhibition is an opportunity for the public to view interesting finds that have been unearthed. Items from previous demolition work undertaken prior to the Gaol’s closure will also be on display to give context to relatively unknown features of the site. Treasure Trove will also explore the vast amount of skill and knowledge required by heritage stone workers to undertake repair work whilst keeping the site as authentic as possible.
CHAIN GANG July - October Ever wondered how the prisoners whiled away the hours? Chain Gang will explore the many types of work undertaken by prisoners during the Gaol’s operational period. Explore working arrangements from the 1850s right through to the 1980s and 1990s and how work for prisoners changed over this time. The exhibition will shine a light on the prisoners’ contributions to a series of Government Departments and highlight how skilled prisoners were put to good use around the state.
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SENIORS FESTIVAL: MORNING TEA AND TOUR If only these walls could talk! As part of the annual NSW Seniors Festival, Maitland Gaol is offering our senior citizens the opportunity to explore Maitland Gaol with one of our experienced guides. Visitors will learn how the site changed operationally over the 150 years it operated. Morning tea will be provided following a 90 minute guided tour, along with an opportunity for visitors to ask in depth questions and get a sense of Maitland Gaol’s history and its future. Thursday 20 February 10.00am Free of charge Offered to seniors only (must present seniors card). Limit of four per booking.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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SEASONAL HARVEST DINNER AND ACTIVITY Ever wondered where your food comes from? Join us when the seasons change at Maitland Gaol for our Seasonal Harvest Dinner and Activity, where we will showcase produce from our local Hunter region in a “Paddock to Plate” style dinner. Partnering with local small businesses, each Seasonal Harvest Dinner will be unique, with a customised three course menu themed around seasonal produce. Each dinner will feature a different local producer, who will have the opportunity to talk on a subject relating to their land, produce and farming methods. The dinner will be followed by a 90 minute tour exploring aspects of the Gaol’s 150 year history. March June October December Tickets must be pre-purchased. Details of exact dates, individual themes and producers will be released at the time tickets go on sale.
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SNITCH’S EASTER EGG HUNT Come along to Maitland Gaol this Easter to enjoy our first ever Snitch’s Easter Egg Hunt. Children will explore the extension area looking for Snitch’s specially marked eggs. At the end of the hunt participants will receive a chocolate Easter surprise and then have the opportunity to explore the site using their own device on Snitch’s self-guided audio tour. Thursday 18 April 9.30am 1.30pm Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and charges apply.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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JUSTICE PRECINCT TOUR LAUNCH The area that surrounds Maitland Gaol is of great interest to many, with our tour guides and office staff regularly fielding questions about the buildings that line John and Lindesay Streets. The Justice Precinct Tour explores the complex relationship between the Gaol and its surrounds, including the East Maitland Courthouse and Police Barracks, and how these buildings became the centre for justice in the East Maitland area. Thursday 16 May Free of charge Limit of four per booking.
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SOLSTICE SLUMBER: SLEEPOVER We know how much visitors love the opportunity to sleepover at Maitland Gaol, so this time we’ve decided to host a sleepover on the longest night of the year, giving visitors the maximum opportunity to experience the site in total darkness. Solstice Slumber is our only sleepover for adults during 2019, so rally your slumber buddies, prepare your spooky stories and book your tickets to Maitland Gaol’s Solstice Slumber. Friday 21 June 8.30pm - 8.00am (the following day)
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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TEA AND REFORMATION Women in history shouldn’t be a mystery! Join Maitland Gaol and Maitland High School at this special afternoon which explores stories of women incarcerated in Maitland Gaol. Listen to stories of attempted reformation, debauched behaviour and miscarriages of justice with each story delivered by a different student. This afternoon get together also gives you the opportunity to learn about rations and bartering commodities used by women in the Gaol, in this case tea. With a tea station and delicious sweets, why not get the girls together for a cosy afternoon in the immersive atmosphere that is Maitland Gaol. Saturday 17 August 2.00pm
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FATHER’S DAY: A BITE BEHIND BARS Want to treat Dad to something a little different this Father’s Day? Spoil him with tickets to A Bite Behind Bars which includes a picnic lunch on the exercise field and guided tour of the Gaol. Impress your dad with an experience behind bars that he won’t forget. Get in early to avoid disappointment. Sunday 1 September
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the Shawshank Redemption was first released? Nominated for seven Academy Awards and two Golden Globes, The Shawshank Redemption is still ranked one of the best movies of all time. For this special anniversary, Maitland Gaol will present The Shawshank Redemption outdoors on the big screen. Come and enjoy this very special event in the warm spring weather. Saturday 21 September 6.30pm Please note The Shawshank Redemption is rated MA15+.
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KIDS LOCKDOWN The Kids Lockdown event was so popular last year that Maitland Gaol has decided to host it again in 2019, during a warmer part of the year. Arriving at 8.30pm, everyone will have the opportunity to store their bags and sleeping equipment before going on a family friendly guided torchlight tour of the whole site. Once the tour is finished you will have time to choose and set up your cell before enjoying a light supper. Games will be offered for those interested in playing before everyone bunks into their cells for the night. A light breakfast will be offered from 7.00am on Saturday to help everyone wake up and fill their bellies before leaving the site by 8.00am. Available for children aged 8 - 15 years Saturday 5 October 8.30pm - 8.00am (the following day) Accompanying adult must be in attendance.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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BITTER & TWISTED BOUTIQUE BEER FESTIVAL Beer. Music. Food. The Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival brings together over 80 craft beers, the best music from around Australia and an array of international cuisine, all within the confines of this former maximum security prison. A unique festival, in its theme and location, Bitter & Twisted is a celebration of high quality beer, music, food and all things unexpected. November bitterandtwisted.com.au
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LOCK IN YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY PLANS After something a little unique for your staff party or social get together this Christmas? The Gaol offers a range of unique and affordable activities catering for 20 to 150 people and can provide a ready made dinner and guided tour package during midweek or weekend evenings. In complete contrast, why not take over one of the unique spaces and cater, entertain and theme your own event. The Gaol team can assist with recommending suitable operators to make your Christmas celebrations special. Mini guided tours can be arranged to accompany this option. November and December Packages available upon request, please phone 02 4936 6482 or email info@maitlandgaol.com.au.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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UNIQUE SPACES A VENUE WITH A DIFFERENCE As a former maximum security prison with a gruesome history spanning over 150 years, this heritage listed site is home to a variety of unique spaces tucked away within its great walls. The Gaol offers a genuine glimpse into the history of one of the state’s most prominent prisons and an unparalleled experience that your guests are guaranteed to remember. Maitland Gaol offers flexibility and diversity across a 2.5 hectare site. Whether it be a meeting for a select few, team building sessions for small groups, corporate dinner or guided tours for a few hundred, or conferences and trade shows, Maitland Gaol houses the most unique spaces available in the Hunter Region. Our helpful team is on hand to offer all levels of support required to ensure you and your group have a positive and memorable experience. Visit maitlandgaol.com.au to download the Unique Spaces booklet for more information or request a copy from the Gaol team.
A & B WING The two cell blocks offer an exclusive point of difference for your next celebratory occasion. They offer a perfect setting for a dining experience like no other and one that no prisoner could have dreamed would be served within the solid walls.
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THE EXERCISE YARD This lush grassed area is a perfect space for team building activities, an alfresco lunch or temporary marquee suitable for a distinctive gala dinner. If you’re thinking bigger, then this space is more than suitable for a musical festival.
MARQUEE Located in the heart of the Gaol this space provides a blank canvas with the possibilities only limited by your imagination. In close proximity to The Exercise Yard and a commercial kitchen, this area is great for hosting a large number of people.
CHAPEL Bathed in natural light through the many arched windows the Chapel’s raked cedar lined ceilings and painted windows are sure to impress. This medium sized space is suitable for presentations, exhibitions, conferences, launches and small functions.
AUDITORIUM With an area of 162m² this space is ideal for large scale presentations, exhibitions and conferences. With a range of room layouts available, the Auditorium includes AV, air conditioning and tiered seating.
Bookings essential. Book online at maitlandgaol.com.au
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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, Sunday and Public Holidays 10.00am - 4.00pm Last entry at 3.00pm