Matt Hewson
National Trust Victoria is offering children and adults alike the chance to explore the world of archaeology when it holds the Geelong Archaeology Festival at Barwon Grange, Newtown.
The event, open to the public on the weekends of May 20-21 and 27-28 and to school groups during the week of May 22-26, will be held as part of National Archaeology Week, which aims to increase public awareness of Australian archaeology and promote the preservation of Australia’s unique archaeological heritage.
Attendees can uncover and analyse artefacts at a simulated archaeological site at Westbourne Villa, chat to practising National Trust archaeologists and participate in ground-penetrating radar research and take a tour of a standing simulation of what the Westbourne Villa site would have originally looked like.
Dr Georgia Stannard, archaeologist and manager of education and public programs at the National Trust, said the festival was a great chance for people to learn what Australian archaeologists really do.
“The question I get asked most often, by kids in particular, is what my favourite dinosaur is, so I have an answer for that now, but I need to remind them that palaeontology and archaeology are two quite different things,” Dr Stannard said.
“The second most common comment I get is that it must be so interesting to go over to Egypt, Greece or Rome to do archaeology.
“People are often surprised to hear that I don’t travel overseas; I’ve never worked in Egypt or Greece. I’ve worked exclusively in Australia on an incredibly rich, nuanced and exciting record that goes back 65 thousand years.
“So one of my great passions is getting that information out to schools, students, teachers and the public (about) what Australian archaeology and Australian archaeologists are all about.”
For more information visit nationaltrust.org.au/event/geelong-archaeology-festival.
