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Department of Premier and Cabinet

Female Convicts Research Centre

The Female Convicts Research Centre (FCRC) promotes interest in the female convicts of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), by encouraging and facilitating research.

From 1803 to 1853, the British government transported 13,500 female convicts to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) as punishment for crimes, mainly theft. After serving their sentences, the women were released into the community, where many married and became the ancestors of today’s Tasmanians. The FCRC encourages research into these female convicts, mainly through its database, website and twice-yearly seminars.

The FCRC operates an enormous database, with an entry about each female convict. Volunteers enter all available data about the woman, attempting to reconstruct her life course.

When you become a member of the FCRC, you gain access to the database and you can also volunteer to record data or to join our vibrant committee. ​

Website:      Female Convicts Research Centre

Contact:      info@femaleconvicts.org.au