Fort Cornwallis is one of the oldest buildings in Penang – the construction was begun by Francis Light, founder of the colonial settlement here, in the late 18th Century in order to defend the George Town. Originally made from wood, Light started strengthening the structure with bricks in 1793 and the construction was completed in 1810.
Penang’s local university, USM, has been carrying out an archeology dig centred this year,
focused on the former moat of the fort, which was built in 1804, but was then filled in during the 1920s to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They have found several coins dating to Penang’s early colonial days, pieces of porcelain, ceramics as well as pieces of glass and plates.
The young of Penang have an incredible and unique opportunity to join in and experience the excavation of history in Penang with the Fort Cornwallis Young Archaeologists’ Programme. Anyone aged 10-17 is invited to find out how
archaeologists unearth artefacts, process ancient coins and use scientific techniques to learn about the past, and the young archaeologists will participate in excavation, mapping and recording, finds processing and artefact conservation over two sessions on consecutive Saturdays. Participants will be guided by professional archaeologists from University Sains Malaysia, and will receive free admission to Fort Cornwallis.
Parents or guardians of participants are welcome to observe the activities.
Participants registering for the October 21st session will automatically be registered for the artefact analysis session on the following Saturday (October 28) and participants registering for the November 11th session will automatically be registered for the artefact analysis session on the following Saturday (November 18).Sign up for free at https://goo.gl/NnKeRm. Families and group registrations are welcome.Contact junyi.wong@thinkcity.com.my for enquiries.
