Tag: community conversation

Our Recent Community Conversation – Castle Hill Stories

In this week’s blogpost, Jessie reflects on the recent Community Conversation, which was all about Castle Hill Stories.

I must admit, the monthly Community Conversations at Powerhouse Castle Hill are quickly becoming the highlight of my month.

Held every third Friday, these exclusive events offer a unique opportunity for the public to step into the normally closed doors of our museum at Castle Hill. Each month, we curate a distinctive collection focus, delving into the rich stories behind our objects. Last month, we explored the intricate world of Islamic objects, and looking ahead, our gaze is set on Chinese objects next month, perfectly aligning with the Lunar New Year festivities.

This month, we took a deep dive into the captivating narratives and history of Castle Hill. The anticipation was palpable as our visitors, fuelled by a spread of biscuits and caffeine, gathered in the E Store’s Theatrette for a presentation. To our delight, it was the largest turnout we’ve ever had for a Community Conversation, and I am so glad we had enough biscuits for everyone!

After a brief introduction to Powerhouse Castle Hill and the Community Conversations, the stage was set for Lesley to captivate our audience. With a focus on Castle Hill’s convict history, she unveiled the intriguing stories behind some of our museum objects such as love tokens, caps, and leg irons. The tales of the Battle of Vinegar Hill, an attempted uprising by Irish convicts against British rule, added a layer of historical depth that left a lasting impression.

Next up was Paul, unraveling the agricultural history of Castle Hill. Divided into two enlightening segments, Paul explored the growth of oranges and the flourishing eucalyptus trees in the region. The insights gained from his talk made me view eucalyptus oil in a whole new light, appreciating the historical significance tied to Castle Hill. And I will surely be visiting the Orange Blossom Festival held later this year!

Peter then took centre stage, shedding light on the tram history in the area. Surprising many, Peter revealed that trams once connected Parramatta and Castle Hill – can we please bring back this convenient mode of travel please?

I personally really appreciated Peter’s effort to juxtapose historic photos with present-day images of various sites. This visual comparison vividly showcased the transformations over time, allowing us to glimpse into the past, and if you’re like me, yearn for a time machine.

Subsequently, Paul, Peter, and Richard led our guests on museum tours. I also want to say a special thanks to Ernie and Alan for joining the event and supporting their fellow volunteers. I am very lucky to work with such a positive and dedicated community!

The feedback from our visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, making this our most successful Community Conversation to date. I am so proud that this was our biggest Community Conversation yet, and I hope these events will only be bigger and better from here.

Join us for the next one on Friday, 16th of February, as we delve into the captivating world of Chinese objects in our collection!

Jessie Wang
Volunteer Program Partner

Our Recent Community Conversation – Vietnamese Objects in Our Collection

This week Taryn reflects on our recent community conversation, which focused on the Vietnamese objects in our collection.

Community Conversations Intern Taryn Woods is back with the exhilarating details of our last adventure – the Vietnamese Collection Conversation, held at Castle Hil Powerhouse on Friday 17th November. 

Embarking on this cultural journey was like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of traditions, stories, and artifacts that painted a vivid picture of Vietnamese heritage. Our goal remained steadfast: to unite individuals through the art of storytelling, creating an immersive experience that transcends borders. 

he Vietnamese Collection Conversation session unfolded with an air of anticipation, as attendees explored the carefully curated artifacts from the Powerhouse collection that encapsulate the essence and influences of Vietnamese culture. A testament to the skill of Vietnamese potters from the 1300s to 1500s, the large, beautifully painted piece highlighted the country’s historical prowess in trade ceramics. Jessie expertly guided the audience through its intricacies, highlighting the fusion of Chinese influences with distinct Vietnamese fluidity. The dish’s fine craftsmanship and the evolution of Vietnamese ceramics became vividly apparent, enriching the cultural narrative shared with the engaged participants.  

Mike’s presentation on his journey to Champa, Vietnam, added another layer of richness to the Vietnamese Collection Conversation. Sharing vivid experiences, he connected the dots between his travels and the objects.  

A standout moment during the Vietnamese Collection Conversation was the enlightening presentation by our dedicated volunteer, Kim. With a profound connection to her Vietnamese heritage, Kim passionately explored the intricacies of Vietnamese culture, offering valuable insights. A particularly poignant highlight was her exploration of the fishing boat named Tu Do, meaning ‘freedom’ which transported 38 refugees from Vietnam to Darwin. Kim’s narrative skillfully unveiled the symbolic significance of the boat, serving as a powerful testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese people. In just a few words, Kim managed to transport participants into the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s history, adding an extra layer of authenticity and depth to the event. 

During the collection tour, Paul guided attendees through the story of a model boat resembling Tu Do, connected to Kim’s narrative. This symbolic vessel mirrored the Vietnamese fishing boat’s resilience. Paul’s insightful tour seamlessly wove together the artifacts and stories, enriching the understanding of the cultural tapestry within our collection. 

The Vietnamese Collection Conversation was not just an exploration of artifacts; it was a celebration of diversity, a testament to the beauty found in our differences. As we continue this journey, our commitment to weaving together the cultural fabric that unites us remains unwavering. 

Looking ahead, we are thrilled about the possibilities that future Community Collection Conversations hold. The mosaic of cultures we have explored so far is just the beginning, and we eagerly anticipate delving into more facets of our global cultural heritage. 

Stay tuned for the Islamic Collection Conversation taking place on December 15th! 

Until the next adventure, 

Taryn Woods Community Conversations Intern