Unearthed 2026 Series: Siltstone in the Bracken: Interpreting the Archaeological Landscape of Point Puer

Once a trade school and reformatory for over 700 convict boys, Point Puer Boys’ Establishment (1834–1849) survives today as a largely unexcavated archaeological landscape containing tumbled stone walls, half-dug foundation trenches, and eight lonesome solitary cells perched on a cliff. In this talk, Caiti D’Gluyas will focus on the archaeological landscape to interpret the spatial logic of the domestic, institutional and punitive spaces; the aqueduct that served a site with no reliable fresh water; and the siltstone construction and quarry face that speak to the texture of institutional life. This talk takes the material record seriously on its own terms, moving across the Point Puer peninsula to examine what is actually there, beneath the bracken and blue gums.

Thursday 7 May, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online
Anyone can view and join.

About Unearthed

Unearthed is a series of programs recognising the contributions of archaeology to our knowledge and understanding of Australian convict heritage hosted by Port Arthur Historic Sites.

This talk is presented in conjunction with ‘Little Depraved Felons: The Boys of Point Puer‘, an exhibition at Port Arthur Historic Site exploring the first purpose-built juvenile prison in the British Empire.