Affective practices and the prison visit: learning at Port Arthur and the Cascades Female Factory

This study reveals that heritage sites can effectively educate visitors about confronting historical narratives, such as Australia's convict system, through affective practices. The research found that the Cascades Female Factory more comfortably communicates its challenging history compared to Port Arthur Historic Site, which often focuses on countering perceptions of darkness and cruelty. By analyzing exhibitions, education programs, staff interviews, and archival materials between 2012 and 2015, the study applied Margaret Wetherell's concept of 'affective practice' to explore how these sites foster historical thought and empathy. The findings highlight the potential of using contested histories in heritage education to deepen visitor understanding and emotional engagement.

McKernan, A. (2018). Affective practices and the prison visit: learning at Port Arthur and the Cascades Female Factory. History of Education Review, 47(2), 131–142. https://doi.org/10.1108/her-11-2017-0023