𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀

The provenance of an object is simply its history, tracing its ownership and whereabouts from the moment of its creation or first use. It's a vital record in the museum world, as it helps to ensure the authenticity and ethical acquisition of artefacts.

As H.M. Prison Pentridge closed a long time ago, in 1997, no movable objects remain on the former prison site itself. Consequently, the vast majority of artefacts featured on the Pentridge Prison Online Museum are now dispersed across private collections, institutional archives, or other heritage organisations. Tracing the full journey and detailed history of these Pentridge artefacts is a challenge.

For many objects, we rely heavily on the stories and testimonies of the individuals who currently own them or have safeguarded them over the years. This human connection to the objects provides invaluable, often personal, insights into their history and context.

For many items, we depend heavily on the stories and memories of the people who own them now or have looked after them over the years. This personal connection provides invaluable insights into an object's history and meaning.

The 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 is committed to carefully recording and bringing together these diverse histories. This ensures we build an accessible record of the prison's past, even when the usual ownership trails are hard to follow.

Syringe, D Division