Descendants Day

Fremantle Prison will again host its Descendants Day ceremony on the Foundation Day public holiday to recognise the contribution that the system of convict transportation made to the early development of the colony and its rich legacy in Western Australia's cultural and built heritage.

Descendants of Western Australian convicts, enrolled pensioner guards and warders who arrived at the Swan River Colony between 1850 and 1887 are invited to apply for a certificate.  The Convict Database may assist with further information.

If you wish to apply please complete the attached pedigree chart, including birth and death dates in the direct line between yourself and your related convict; pensioner guard; or warder. It would also assist us if you could submit any copies you may have of birth, death and marriage certificates in the direct line of the above. Please do not include original documentation with your submission.

Eligible applicants will be invited to attend a ceremony held at Fremantle Prison on Monday 7 June 2010. Numbers are limited for eligible applicants to attend the award ceremony and applications must be received by Friday 12 March 2010.  Only one applicant per family line is eligible for a certificate. Successful applicants may bring one guest to the ceremony with them. If you are unable to attend the ceremony your certificate will be posted out to you.

Completed applications should be posted to:

Alana Law
Functions and Events Coordinator
Fremantle Prison
1 The Terrace
Fremantle  WA  6160

Completed applications can also be emailed to Fremantle Prison's Functions and Events Coordinator.

Our Genealogist will process your information in the coming months, and if verified as correct, we will contact you with further event information and an invitation in mid April.