The Cascades Female Factory Audio Experience

The Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HISTORY
  • COMPLETE SERIES
The Cascades Female Factory Audio Experience

The Cascades Female Factory Audio Experience provides an overview of the history of the site as well as the stories of the women and children that spent time here. Most of the structures and buildings that made up the Cascades Female Factory have been removed or lost with time. Today, you can take your time as you wander through the space and listen to true tales of the courage, resourcefulness and resilience of the women lived, worked and aspired to a better life outside these same walls. The audio experience fills in the space between then and now. 

  1. Chapter 1: Welcome to Country (Location: Visitor Centre)

    EPISODE 1

    Chapter 1: Welcome to Country (Location: Visitor Centre)

    Written and recorded by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community.  Cascades Female Factory is located on the traditional homelands of the muwinina people.  We acknowledge the muwinina people, the traditional owners of the Land upon which we work, and we pay our respect to Aboriginal Elders; past and present. We respect all Tasmanian Aboriginal people, their culture and their rights as the first peoples of lutruwita. We recognise and value Aboriginal histories, knowledge and lived experiences and commit to being culturally inclusive and respectful in our working relationships with all Aboriginal people. If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend listening to this chapter in the Visitor Centre (stop 1).

    3 min
  2. Chapter 2: Introduction (Location: Yard 3 on way to Yard 1)

    EPISODE 2

    Chapter 2: Introduction (Location: Yard 3 on way to Yard 1)

    A brief introduction to the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site Audio Tour. If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend you listen to this chapter outside the Visitor Centre, on your way to Yard One (stop 2).

    1 min
  3. Chapter 3: Yard One (Location: Yard 1)

    EPISODE 3

    Chapter 3: Yard One (Location: Yard 1)

    Discover the labyrinth of buildings, walls and structures that once filled Yard One - the first yard of the Cascades Female Factory.  If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend you listen to this chapter in Yard One (stop 3).

    3 min
  4. Chapter 4: Arrival (Location: Yard 1)

    EPISODE 4

    Chapter 4: Arrival (Location: Yard 1)

    After months at sea, women convicts entered through these gates to begin their sentence at the Female Factory.  If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend you listen to this chapter at the original entrance to the Factory (stop 4).

    3 min
  5. Chapter 5: Assignment System (Location: Yard 1)

    EPISODE 5

    Chapter 5: Assignment System (Location: Yard 1)

    Convict women were set to work in homes and farms as part of the Assignment System.  If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend you listen to this chapter by the First Class Yard (stop 5).

    2 min
  6. Chapter 6: The Superintendent and the Matron (Location: Yard 1)

    EPISODE 6

    Chapter 6: The Superintendent and the Matron (Location: Yard 1)

    A husband and wife team, the Superintendent and Matron were in charge of the day-to-day running of the Factory and lived on-site with their large family.  Content warning: This chapter discusses infant mortality.  If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend you listen to this chapter upstairs in the Superintendent’s Apartment (stop 6).

    3 min
  7. Chapter 7: Third Class Yard (Location: Yard 1)

    EPISODE 7

    Chapter 7: Third Class Yard (Location: Yard 1)

    Third Class was also known as Crime Class – this was the Yard for the worst behaved convicts, where punishments and conditions were harsh.  If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend you listen to this chapter in the Third Class Yard (stop 7).

    2 min
  8. Chapter 8: Yard One Nursery (Location: Yard 1)

    EPISODE 8

    Chapter 8: Yard One Nursery (Location: Yard 1)

    Some women brought their children with them on the journey from Britain; some became pregnant whilst serving their sentence. This is was the original Nursery Yard for mothers and children.   Content warning: This chapter discusses infant mortality.  If at Cascades Female Factory, we recommend you listen to this chapter from the location of the first Nursery (stop 8).

    3 min
See All Season 1 (20)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Cascades Female Factory Audio Experience provides an overview of the history of the site as well as the stories of the women and children that spent time here. Most of the structures and buildings that made up the Cascades Female Factory have been removed or lost with time. Today, you can take your time as you wander through the space and listen to true tales of the courage, resourcefulness and resilience of the women lived, worked and aspired to a better life outside these same walls. The audio experience fills in the space between then and now. 

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