In September 2024, archaeologists and students from University of Western Australia will carry out an archaeological field school at Central Greenough, supported by the Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation and the National Trust of Western Australia. The activity will involve survey, recording and mapping the extent and concentration of artefact scatters across the precinct. Test excavations will focus on areas adjacent to the heritage buildings to help us understand more about the history of this significant place.
The project is one of the research opportunities chartered by the recently renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Trust and the University of Western Australia, working to the shared vision of educating generations and providing pathways through experiential learning opportunities to students. The two organisations have worked on shared projects and initiatives since the 1980s, and this project continues to build on the success of a previous agreement in place from 2014-2019.
In 2022 the National Trust received grant funding from Lotterywest for a two-year project at Central Greenough that aims to better understand the diverse heritage values associated with the place and to contribute to cultural landscape management planning and interpretation.
Like many historic sites, Central Greenough has changed over time and archaeology is one way we can better understand the layered history of the place and its broader cultural landscape. Preliminary archaeological assessments at Central Greenough identified areas of archaeological significance, presenting an opportunity for archaeologists and students to undertake further research.
The field school at this important National Trust heritage site will take place from 2 to 6 September, providing 40 archaeologists and students a unique and rare opportunity to document the cultural heritage values of the Central Greenough landscape and gain valuable field skills. Central Greenough will remain open to the public while the field school is on site.
