Deb Robinson, managing director of Geelong Gaol Museum, announces its newest exhibition, “Saga Behind the Armour”, bringing to life the story of Ned Kelly and his gang through the eyes of Geelong people involved in the story.
“Come and view his death mask and experience the infamous bushranger’s replica armour as you take in the stories of those who lived it,” Deb says.
“Either love him or hate him, one cannot deny that Ned Kelly is one of the most recognisable figures in Australian history, even 140 years after his death in 1880.”
For 170 years, the three-storey bluestone Geelong Gaol has looked over the town from behind its imposing gates. For 138 years, it was a place of incarceration for men, women and children from all walks of life, serving sentences imposed by the law and courts of Geelong.
Today, the Geelong Goal Museum is open to the public where the brutal conditions that prisoners endured can be seen – from tiny cells to solitary confinement to the gallows. There are displays on the history of colonial Victorian gaols, prisoner stories and memorabilia of days past.
Exhibitions include Rogues & Vagabonds, highlighting the stories of five prisoners; Hoodwinkers and Hooligan, a display of death masks and phrenology; Last Man Standing, displaying a series of paintings from one of the last six prisoners at Geelong; and the current Saga Behind the Armour.
Once darkness falls, people can join Twisted History for nightly ghost tours, led by a character from the past who once lived or worked here. Explore the haunted halls and cells by lantern light, hearing the stories of those who once lived behind these walls – many of whom never left …
“Or perhaps,” suggests Deb, “you’re searching for the age-old answer to whether ghosts really do exist?
“Join our investigators as we explore the hot-spots using a range of paranormal equipment, trigger devices and experiments to see if you can find the evidence to prove that the paranormal truly does exist.”
Geelong Gaol Museum opens 1-4pm weekends, school and public holidays
Geelong Gaol Ghost Tours available every night.
Investigations are on Friday and Saturday nights (other times by appointment).
Inquiries: 1300 865 800 or visit www.geelonggaol.com.au; www.facebook.com/geelonggaolmuseum/; and www.twistedhistory.net.au
