Dig Redcliffe’s history – Volunteers wanted
If searching for a convict-built brick kiln fires up your inner Indiana Jones, then Redcliffe Museum wants to hear from you.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said volunteers for the museum’s planned archeological dig this September would work alongside respected Queensland authority Dr Jon Prangnell.
“It could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to uncover a piece of the city’s convict past at Corscadden Park,” he said.
The dig, which will be part of Redcliffe’s First Settlement Festival celebrations, will investigate three possible sites at the park for the remains of a brick kiln thought to have been constructed in 1824.
“Preliminary investigations carried out last year, identified the three most likely spots and this is where Dr Prangnell will lead digs, assisted by his archaeology students and volunteers between September 10 and 15,” the Mayor said.
Dr Prangnell, the University of Queensland’s Senior Archaeologist, will speak at the Redcliffe Museum at 10am on August 20 about what is planned.
“Council is fully funding this dig and you’ll have to register to be in the running to secure a spot. We’re particularly hoping that families with children over 12 will want to take part,” the Mayor said.
“Council, in partnership with the Abbey Museum, has arranged a mobile trailer dig “Archaeology on the Move” which will allow younger children to try their hand at archaeology in a more controlled environment.”
“If you just want to witness history being uncovered, then there will be public viewings throughout the dig period.”
For further details, or to register your interest, contact Redcliffe Museum on 3883 1898.
The dig activities are being held in conjunction with the museum’s latest exhibition “1824 – The Archaeology of First Settlement” which is open until October 4. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm, but will also be open on Monday, September 14, for the First Settlement Festival celebrations.
Dig Redcliffe’s history – General Activities
Respected archaeologist Dr Jon Prangnell will lead the search for convict-built remains in Redcliffe this September.
Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said council was sponsoring the Redcliffe Museum-organised dig to uncover the remains of a brick kiln thought to have been built by convicts in 1824.
“We’re proud to have The University of Queensland’s Senior Archaeologist Dr Jon Prangnell leading a team of his students and volunteers investigating three possible sites at Corscadden Park,” he said.
“It’s one of the more unusual activities planned for this year’s First Settlement Festival celebrations and it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be involved in uncovering our convict heritage.”
Dr Prangnell will explain what is planned for the digs at a special presentation at Redcliffe Museum at 10am on August 20.
Mayor Sutherland said council was particularly hoping that families with children over 12 would register to be part of the digs between September 10 and 15.
“There will be public viewings of the dig sites throughout that period,” he said.
“Younger budding archaeologists will also be able to try their hand at a mobile trailer dig set up especially for them by council and the Abbey Museum.”
The dig activities are also being held in conjunction with Redcliffe Museum’s latest exhibition “1824 – The Archaeology of First Settlement” which is open until October 4.
Last year, as part of a joint council and Q50 initiative, Dr Prangnell led investigations into potential first settlement sites in Redcliffe.
During those investigations, a complex drainage system believed to be associated with the 1920s St Josephs Convent was discovered.
For further details, or to register your interest in this year’s dig, contact Redcliffe Museum on 3883 1898.
