The National Trust of Western Australia has recently gained success in the Australian Museums and Galleries Association’s National Awards 2023.
Our temporary exhibition “Beneath the Bitumen: Discoveries from the Chinese Cemetery, East Perth” received a ‘Highly Commended’ in the category for temporary or travelling exhibitions.
“Beneath the Bitumen” tells the story of archaeological discoveries made in 2020 during the excavation of the former Chinese and Presbyterian Cemeteries of East Perth Cemeteries. Over 60 large crates of material were excavated, and it is now cared for by the National Trust. Among the treasures found in the Chinese Cemetery were pieces of coffin, fragments of headstones, grave goods, and remnants of clothing. The human remains were reinterred at Karrakatta Cemetery.
Developed in collaboration with the Chung Wah Association, the exhibition highlighted the early history of the Perth Chinese community. The exhibition and events around it provided numerous opportunities to further appreciate the significance of the archaeological discoveries, the rich heritage of the Chinese community and connections to the historic East Perth Cemeteries cared for by the National Trust.
“We are very proud to have our work recognised and acknowledged by our peers at a national level.” Julian Donaldson M.ICOMOS, Chief Executive Officer National Trust Western Australia said. “We are also extremely grateful to our volunteers, the Chung Wah Association and everyone who was involved in making it happen – these things are always a team effort.”
“Beneath the Bitumen” is now available in an on-line format on our website: Beneath the Bitumen: Discoveries from the Chinese Cemetery, East Perth – National Trust
