Hi Julia
I've always thought the way the Museum of Sydney exposes an archaeological
site by opening up otherwise buried foundations and displaying artefacts
found during investigation of the site with them under glass, and letting
people discover this for themselves, is both effective and affordable. You
will remember that this is done both inside the modern building and outside
on the forecourt. It still means people have to walk to where it is, which
in my view is a good thing!
We've recently done something a little like this with one wall in a part of
our building adapted for reuse as an Electoral Education Centre. Under the
skin of this wall is evidence of several earlier stages, so we've covered
the new wall with perspex rather than plaster. Still needs thematic
interpretive signage, of course, but the kids who go through the centre in
droves find it quite intriguing.
None of this is rocket science and I know you've already considered it - but
I think it's worth keeping the simple techniques in mind.
Another thought is to take a leaf out of the archaeologist's tool kit. I am
thinking of the discovery of Neolithic structures in the Parks at Oxford
when a severe drought (well, what people in England think is a severe
drought!) showed up clear differences in grass colour, especially from the
air - and there have been lots of other similar discoveries. Given that your
visitor centre overlooks the site, could you grow a different coloured grass
where buildings, roads and paths once stood? Perhaps even colour-code them?
Or lay gravel there?
Warm regards - hope to see you at IAA in Melbourne
Michael
-----Original Message-----
From: Julia Clark [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, 9 July 2003 16:45
To: Museum L ([log in to unmask])
Cc: [log in to unmask]
Subject: interpretation of vanished elements
Hi everyone
We have an extensive 19th century site that is comprised of open expanses of
green lawn dotted with the ruins of a small number of the structures which
once were here. In its heyday the site was a densely-settled,
intensively-used place, including elements of prison, township and
industrial complexes. Visitors today have access to a model of the site,
which shows its former extent, to a slim guide book and to a short guided
tour which attempts to fill in the gaps. Only about half our visitors take
the tour.
I am keen to hear from anyone who has used interpretive strategies other
than signage (and tours, books and models in visitor centres) to alert
visitors somehow to the structures which are now archaeological rather than
visible.
Thanks for any help,
Julia Clark
Manager, Interpretation & Collections
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur 7182
Ph: 03 6251 2334
Fax: 03 6251 2322
Mobile: 0419 412246
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