Dr. Annie Sohler-Snoddy, of the University of Otago, shares research to highlight how the littlest people can have big stories to tell about the past.

Wednesday 29 November, 6:45pm
Clyde Museum, Blyth St
Entry by koha to Clyde Museum

The Central Otago Heritage Trust’s AGM will take place immediately prior to this presentation at 5:15pm.

Between 2018-2020 the University of Otago Department of Anatomy and Southern Archaeology conducted a series of excavations of unmarked graves at the ‘old’ cemetery at Ardrossan St, in Lawrence (1861-1866), and at Drybread Cemetery near Omakau (mid to late 1800s). The aims of this project were to recover the unidentified dead, learn about their lives through scientific analysis of their remains, and rebury them with dignity and recognition.

Some of the more poignant finds from this work have been the graves and remains of babies and young children. Children are not often thought of in the context of the Otago Goldrushes. However, women and children were present on the Otago frontier from the very earliest days and were active members of their communities.

[Featured image of young girl – courtesy of Queenstown Lakes Museum]