Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Explore the growing digital archive of deaf history in Australia

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    Story
    John Fitzgerald, Deaf Convict

    Curator Breda Carty introduces John Fitzgerald, a deaf convict who was transported to Australia in 1818. 

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    Story

    Mystery
    The Mystery of John Fitzgerald’s Grave

    John Fitzgerald appeared at the Old Bailey in London in September 1818, accused of “feloniously assaulting” a man in company with two others, and stealing from him a watch, three seals and a key.

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    Story

    Trial of James Smith

    Old Baily trial record 1827

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    Artefact

    Trial of Elizabeth Steel

    Old Baily trial record 1787

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    Artefact

    John Fitzgerald’s petition to the Governor

    1822 attempt to plead for freedom

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    Artefact

    Ticket of Leave, 1843

    1843 ticket of leave

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    Artefact

    Conditional Pardon, 1848

    1848 conditional pardon

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    Artefact

    Running away, 1831

    1831 John Fitzgerald ran away

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    Artefact

    James Smith Indent

    James Smith Indent

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    Artefact

    James Smith Certificate of Freedom

    James Smith Certificate of Freedom

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    Artefact

    Shipping Indent for the Baring (2)

    John Fitzgerald Indent

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    Artefact

    Welcome to the Deaf History Collections

    We acknowledge the traditional custodians of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors to our site, recognising the long, rich, complex and unjustly disregarded histories of First Nations peoples in Australia.
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