Harper's Mansion in Berrima will commemorate the region's colonial history as part of the annual Heritage Festival.
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Among the first people to visit Harper's Mansion last Sunday, was Ken Wilson, his wife, Lyn and their dog, Buddy.
Ken had come to hang a ribbon from the Convict Tree to commemorate his ancestor, 21-year-old Nathaniel Phillips who arrived in Australia in 1834 on the convict ship, the Hooghly Four.
Mr Phillips, originally from London, had been sentenced to seven years for picking pockets.
The young thief was assigned to a property in northern New South Wales and sent to the new colony for his crimes.
Visitors to Harper's Mansion have been invited to write the names of any convict ancestors, the year of arrival and the name of the ship on a ribbon and attach it to the convict tree.
The commemorative ribbons will flutter until the end of the festival on May 19.
Inside the mansion will be an exhibition to display various items from the period.
The exhibition will feature 28 memorial convict bonnets, lent by the local chapter of the Fellowship of First Fleeters, plus a collection of colonial memorabilia.
Marked bricks, leg irons, pewter table ware, clay pipes and a secret mystery object will be in show for visitors to enjoy.
Accompanying these displays will be stories about some of the convicts and ex-convicts who established Berrima and built Harper's Mansion in the 1830s.
Five historical Berrima families have been selected to highlight the fate of the convicts and ex-convicts who built Berrima.
The interesting stories behind publicans Michael Doyle and Bryan McMahon, baker James McCurdys, tanners and leather workers, Edmond and Joseph Kelly and possibly the most successful and colourful of them all, John Richards, coach owner and the main contractor in building Berrima gaol will be told.
Harper's Mansion was built circa 1835 by James and Mary Harper just after Berrima was gazetted in 1831 and represents the story of many families from the time.
The house is a fine example of a colonial Georgian residence and is furnished in period style
Harper's Mansion is open every weekend from 10.30am to 4pm.
The property will be open on Easter Monday and Anzac Day. Admission is $10, concession $8 and children are free.
The Convict Tree and exhibition will continue until May 19.
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