The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre is available for use by domestic and international education groups – ranging from primary and high school through to tertiary education and archaeological/heritage groups – interested in learning about the archaeological and historical significance of the site.

‘The Big Dig’ was the name used for the major archaeological dig that occurred on the site in 1994 and has been carried forward as the name for the new Archaeology Education Centre. The site has an on-going historical and educational role as the artefacts uncovered from the site reveal the style and manner in which people lived in colonial Australia in the 18th and 19th century.

The Facility

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre is a free-standing archaeological educational facility located on the south-eastern corner of the site, between what was Carahers Lane and Gloucester Street.

The Big Dig uses archaeological remains and artefacts alongside historical interpretation and other resources to offer visitors a fascinating insight into The Rocks and Australia’s early settlers’ history.

Educational programs concentrate on the history of the Cumberland/Gloucester Street neighbourhood in the wider context of The Rocks, as well archaeological excavation methods and the 1994 Big Dig.

The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre consists of two classrooms, each seating up to 36 students, which can be combined to seat 100 theatre style. The centre also provides bathroom facilities, a kitchenette, luggage storage and a simulated archaeological dig area for students in years 1-4. Students are also given access to the observational areas within the dig site. The classrooms are fitted with stackable chairs, tables, digital projector and screen, whiteboard and one laptop with internet access.

The location for The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre was chosen as it did not impinge on the area of George Cribb’s property (an important resident of The Rocks in the 1800s), allowing this area to remain open, fully visible and accessible to visiting groups.

Education Programs

A range of exciting education programs will be presented at The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre by a variety of education providers.

New programs focusing on the archaeology and history of The Big Dig site have been developed for 2010. These programs specifically cater to the NSW curriculum and will be professionally presented by Sydney Learning Adventures.

Little diggers
Curriculum links: Years 1-2  HSIE

How do archaeologists find out about the past? What can archaeology tell us about children who lived in The Rocks during the 1800s? What were their houses like? What games did they play? Students will work as archaeologists to excavate artefacts from our indoor simulated archaeological dig and analyse them to find out about the everyday lives of children who lived on The Big Dig site.

Dirt Detectives
Curriculum links: Years 3-4  HSIE

Ball-and-chain shackles? Torn and filthy rags decorated with broad arrows? History books often describe horrific tales of the brutal punishment and agonising labour experienced by convicts in early colonial Sydney. Students will work as archaeologists to excavate artefacts from our indoor archaeological dig, and use their investigative skills to discover what life was really like for the convicts who lived in The Rocks during the early years of the colony.

Pieces of the past
Curriculum links: Years 5-6 HSIE

Buttons and buckles, bottles and beads. These are some of the artefacts discovered by archaeologists under the floorboards of houses in The Rocks. Students will use artefacts, paintings, photos and written documents to piece together evidence about the lives of people who lived in the Cumberland Street neighbourhood during the 1800s.

Cesspits and old rubbish
Curriculum links: Years 7– 10 History

British archaeologist Stuart Piggot once called archaeology “the science of rubbish” because it involves the excavation of things people throw away. Student ‘archaeologists’ will examine artefacts discovered in wells, ‘dunnies’, cisterns, cellars and backyards in order to decide whether The Rocks really was a “dirty slum” during the 19th century. The investigation will focus on the lives of some of the more colourful individuals who inhabited the cosy little houses, narrow lanes and twisted streets of The Rocks’ close-knit neighbourhood.

Groundwork: Archaeology at The Big Dig
Curriculum target: Year 11 ancient history and stage 5 elective history

What methods do archaeologists use to find out about the past? How can written and archaeological sources be used to create a more detailed interpretation of the past?The Big Dig archaeological site offers students a unique opportunity to study the various ways in which historians and archaeologists investigate, record, reconstruct and interpret the past: the types of questions they ask, the explanations they give and the issues they raise. Students will use written and archaeological sources to undertake an inquiry-based investigation into the lives of some of the people who lived and worked in The Rocks during the 19th century. They will also consider the ethical issues involved in the excavation, conservation, interpretation and presentation of this site to the public.

Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $13 per student

Booking information: Tel: (02) 9240 8552  Fax. (02) 9247 3455
Email. www.sydneylearningadventures.com.au
 

Historic Houses Trust: Susannah Place Museum

Susannah Place Museum is located on the across the road on Gloucester Street, a remarkable surviving example of the type of terrace housing that was once on The Big Dig site.

• Pests, plague, pandemic!
  Stage 3: Years 5-6This program explores the bubonic plague outbreak of 1900 and its impact on the residents of The Rocks and their environment. By examining the former living conditions at Susannah Place Museum and participating in a guided walk through plague-related sites in The Rocks and neighbouring Millers Point, students will investigate the effects this epidemic had on the community. As well, students will identify and discuss the role of the government in the lives of the residents.Students begin this program at Susannah Place Museum, moving across to The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre for 30 minutes of directly related hands-on science activities. Students will have the opportunity to manipulate and handle a variety of equipment such as microscopes and specimen slides as they explore the links between fleas, rats and the plague.

Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $10.00
Booking information: http://www.hht.net.au/education/programs/pests,_plague,_pandemic!

 

Archaeology in The Rocks 2010: Monday 8 March – Friday 19 March 2010

This year, Archaeology in The Rocks will start at The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre. The full-day program gives students an interactive archaeology experience and has particular relevance for Stage 6 Ancient History students studying ‘History, archaeology and science: investigating the Past’.

The program includes:

• a presentation and discussion led by a practising archaeologist which focuses on the work of archaeologists in a range of contexts. Issues include ethics, current practices and the contemporary role of archaeology and history
• a visit to The Big Dig archaeological site beneath the new Sydney Harbour YHA
• a visit to Parbury Ruins – an archaeological site where the foundations of an 1820s cottage and later additions, including the kitchen and cellar, can be seen preserved below ground
• an in-depth, hands-on session examining genuine artefacts from The Rocks
• a guided tour of Susannah Place Museum (built 1844) exploring the archaeology of a standing building
• a guided tour of The Rocks Discovery Museum, which explores the history of The Rocks from Cadigal times to today

Students will have the opportunity to apply skills of questioning, hypothesising, analysing and interpreting in this full-day archaeology experience. Full units of work supplied with each booking.

Cost: $15.50 per student
Enquiries and bookings:  Tel. (02) 9241 1893   Fax. (02) 9241 2608
or Email. annac@hht.net.au

Stay overnight and experience more

Why come for just a day? Stay overnight and experience more.

From February 2010 Sydney Harbour YHA will be available for group accommodation. The hostel has an exclusive groups’ area accommodating up to 38 guests plus 2 group leaders, complete with dining room (groups packages can include breakfast, lunch and/or dinner) and lounge/TV room. All bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom and, on request, some bedrooms can be located in a separate area, away from the main group. The facility also has luggage storage, laundry and Internet facilities as well as 24-hour reception and security.

Group Size: 10 > 100

Things to do

Located in the heart of Sydney’s historic precinct and CBD, groups are able to walk to many major attractions including museums, art galleries, the Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour, Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, theatres, as well as the many historical attractions in The Rocks precinct.

Bookings

If you would like further information, please contact:

Sydney Harbour YHA Groups
sydharbourgroups@yha.com.au
T: +61 2 8272 0910
F: + 61 2 8272 0950

YHA has properties across Australia. For a listing of other YHAs that offer group bookings, visit yha.com.au.