True Stories. Real Women. Their Voices Remembered
Step inside the walls of Adelaide Gaol and discover the haunting, powerful stories of the women once condemned by the colonial justice system.
Remembering the Women History Forgot
In Her Words isn’t just a show — it’s an act of remembrance. Each story is drawn from authentic records, court transcripts, and final letters.
These women were daughters, wives, and mothers whose lives were judged and ended by a harsh colonial justice system.
By revisiting their words, we ensure their stories are not lost to time — and that history speaks with empathy and truth.
Presented and researched by Deb Robinson, historian, author and researcher behind the Locked Up With History podcast and at the National Crime & Justice Museum at the Geelong Gaol.
The Show: In Her Words
In Her Words is a moving presentation that gives voice to the women executed across Australia’s colonial history. Through many hours of research and respectful storytelling, historian Deb Robinson shares the lives and last words of these women — exploring justice, morality, and the power of remembrance.
For the Adelaide season, In Her Words will be presented in the atmospheric Mess Hall at the Adelaide Gaol, where history still whispers from the walls.
Presentation Dates:
📅 6, 7, 8 March 2026
📅 13, 14, 15 March 2026
🕐 1:30 PM
📍 The Mess Hall, Adelaide Gaol
The Tour: In Her Words - Elizabeth’s Story
Join historian Deb Robinson for a special guided tour through Adelaide Gaol, exploring the life and fate of Elizabeth Woolcock, the only woman ever executed in South Australia.
This immersive experience combines history, storytelling, and reflection, bringing Elizabeth’s voice and story to life within the very place she was held and died.
Tour Dates:
6, 7, 8 March 2026 13, 14, 15 March 2026
11:00 AM
Adelaide Gaol
In Her Words: The Book
The book of In Her Words explores the life stories of each of the 25 women who have been executed on Australian soil.
Their stories provide a snapshot at their point in history into the society, laws and punishments of their lifetimes.
In many cases, they were silenced in their own lifetimes. In Her Words brings their voices back to life.
Copies will be available to purchase at the shows along with copies of Roy Maloy’s books that I have written for.