Year 6 Trip to the Museum of Chinese Australian History
Dear Grade 6 Students and Families,
What a fantastic and educational trip we had to the Museum of Chinese Australian History! Our visit was filled with fun discoveries, and important lessons about the contributions of Chinese Australians to our country's rich history. Here's a recap of our adventure:
Exploring the Museum
We began our day with a guided tour that took us through different time periods. From the first Chinese immigrants arriving during the Gold Rush in the 1850s to the vibrant communities that exist today, we learned how these pioneers helped shape Australia into the multicultural society it is now.
The Gold Rush Experience
One of the highlights was learning about the Chinese gold miners. We got to see the tools they used and hear stories about the challenges they faced, from working in difficult conditions to overcoming prejudice.
Life in the 19th Century
The museum had a replica of a traditional Chinese store from the 1800s. It was interesting to see what daily life was like, with all sorts of items imported from China such as tea, fabrics, and even medicinal herbs. The students were fascinated by how these items connected the two countries.
Chinese Dragons and Festivals
We were also amazed by the vibrant dragon and lion costumes on display! These are used in festivals like Chinese New Year to bring good luck. Discovered that the dragon in the Chinese museum was the biggest one in the world.
Reflections and Takeaways
By the end of the day, we learned that the story of Chinese Australians is not just about gold miners and merchants; it's about the deep cultural contributions and lasting impact they've made on Australian society. From food and festivals to art and innovation, the Chinese Australian community has helped shape the country we live in today.
I’d like to thank all the teachers and staff members who helped make this excursion a success! Be sure to share your favourite moments from the trip with your family. I would like to encourage you to explore more about Chinese Australian history—there’s so much to discover!
Until next time, keep exploring and learning!
Best regards
JingJing Chen
Student Recounts
Recount of Chinese Museum
By Naman 6B
The museum provided a fascinating insight into the rich and complex history of Chinatown and the Chinese immigrants who played a pivotal role in Australia's development. I learned about the Chinese farmers who journeyed to Australia during the Gold Rush, driven by the hope of striking it rich and repaying the loans they had borrowed from wealthy backers in China. This part of history is often overlooked, but the museum highlighted the immense challenges and sacrifices these individuals faced.
As we walked through the museum, it felt like we were living the life of the Chinese farmers who came back for the Gold Rush. The displays included artefacts, photographs, and stories that painted a vivid picture of the lives of the Chinese immigrants. I was particularly struck by the resilience of these farmers, who not only sought fortune but also sought to build a new life in a foreign land, often facing discrimination and hardship along the way.
The museum also showed us a lot of China's dynasties and the reasons why the Chinese farmers came to Australia. Understanding the historical backdrop added depth to our experience, allowing us to appreciate the complex interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors that influenced the journey of these pioneers.
One of the amazing things was a 63-metre dragon costume which was used in the Chinese New Year ceremony. There was also a thing when rich people died back then their body was cased in a Jade Armour instead of a wooden casket.
At the end of our tour, we watched an eight-minute video that told us who had Chinese ancestors that came for the gold in Australia. Overall, the visit was not only educational but also highlighting the importance of remembering and honouring the past.
Chinese Museum Tour
Rafan 6A
On friday,11th of October, we rode a bus called Transit Systems and took us to the CBD Chinatown. The trip took around an hour. On the way to the Chinatown, I saw a lot of trams and I even crossed through flinders street and saw some trains.
After arriving in Chinatown, we headed to the Chinatown area covered with cobblestone. We first went to the state library. We walked straight towards the tram line. The road we were going were filled with Chinese restaurants and shops. After arriving in the grassy area right next to the statue of liberty he had our fruit snacks. I spotted a lot of trams stopping at a tram station to drop and pick up passengers. Then we walked to the second floor. We walked inside the library, and I saw this library which has a lot of storeys it was huge. Then he walked to a different area, and we encountered a lot of tables with chess board games.
Then we exited the state liberty and retired straight back to Chinatown. We had our lunches then we went inside the Chinatown Museum.
We first went down the basement and told us about mining in Hong Kong. Then they told us about mining in Australia goldfields. Then the y explained about the China maze. Then we went inside the room, and they explained about 2 people. They thought they were women, but they are men. Then they explained about the long dragon, and we went uphill all the way to the area where we started our museum tour. The dragon was 55 to 61 metres. Then we had to walk all the way up. My legs were tired. But we managed to get up.
Then we walked down to the area where we started our tour and got a chance to buy something from the store. Then we headed to the bus, and we arrived at the school at 1:40pm.