Review & analysis

Current interpretation

Visitors currently explore the historic site through experiences tailored to individuals and groups of both adults and children, including self-guided audio tours, guided tours, functions and events, sleepovers, corporate events and team building. Permanent on-site interpretation comprises identification signage and some movable heritage displays.

The current products have been reviewed as part of the preparation of this Heritage Interpretation Plan.

Current product Recommendations

Self-Guided Audio Tour: Maitland Gaol Revealed

The edited oral history interviews are an evocative and historic record of the voices of Maitland Gaol. The audio on this app can be repurposed for soundscapes and directional sound devices.

Guided Tours:

• 150 Years Under Lock and Key

• Crimes of Passion

• Escapes

• Justice Precinct Tour

• Escapes Night Tour

Snitch’s Gaol Exploration

Signage

• Guided tours will be retained as a priority product for the new Gaol.

• Tours content should be restructured by the principles of the interpretive framework.

• Tours should support storytelling with new interpretive devices and a combination of selfdiscovery and prompts from the guide.

Content should be superseded with curriculum-based activities on the guided tours.

Supersede existing site signage. Provide accessible, readable content that also provides ‘teasers’ for visitors in unpaid areas to encourage purchasing the ticketed experience.

Movable heritage displays (Chapel, hospital)

Redesign and curate current collection displays to align with the new thematic framework.