As Albany/Kinjarling marks 200 years of shared history, rediscover the stories that have defined our culture, our community and preserved our heritage.
Established in 1962, the Albany Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the rich and diverse history of Albany known as Kinjarling to the Menang Noongar People. Our extensive collection, one of the oldest and most esteemed in Western Australia, captures the essence of the region’s remarkable past and its continuing story.
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We celebrate Albany by honouring the community’s varied cultural heritage and recognising the pivotal role Albany played as the site of the first European and Aboriginal settlement in Western Australia. We respectfully acknowledge the Menang Noongar people, the Traditional Custodians of this land and their enduring connection to Kinjarling.​
ALBANY CONVICT GAOL
Step Back in Time: Explore Albany’s Convict History.
267 Stirling Terrace,
Albany/Kinjarling
Open Daily: 10am - 4pm
PATRICK TAYLOR COTTAGE
Explore the Charm of Albany’s Early Settlers.
37 Duke Street,
Albany/Kinjarling
Open Daily: 11am - 3pm
DUKE STREET PARK
Discover Albany’s Exploration Heritage in Duke Street Park.
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CURRENT ART EXHIBITION
Albany 2026 Bicentenary Art Exhibition. A 200 Year Journey of art and inspiration.
We’re proud to present a landmark exhibition showcasing original artworks from the Society’s archives, many of which have never before been seen by the public, offering rare insight into our shared cultural history.
EXHIBIT DETAILS
21 January 2026 - 22 January 2027
Open Daily: 10am - 4pm
PIONEER PATHWAYS | COMING SOON
Honouring our custodians, founders and pioneers and their contribution to Western Australia's first settlement.
Pioneer Pathways is an interpretive pathway designed to educate, inspire and connect and invites locals and visitors to step into the stories of the custodians, pioneers and community builders who shaped Albany.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Learn more about this exciting Albany 2026 Bicentenary project.
Sculpture at Binalup: A Lasting Legacy of the Albany 2026 Bicentenary.
As part of the Albany 2026 Bicentenary, the 16 contemporary works presented through Sculpture at Binalup will find their permanent home at Duke Street following the exhibition from 10-19 April 2026 at Binalup / Middleton Beach.
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Developed by local artist Mae Elliott in collaboration with Menang Noongar leaders, artists and community members, the sculptures reflect the Bicentenary themes of past, present and future, grounded in truth-telling and connection to Country. The project includes a school outreach program led by respected Menang elder Aunty Carol Pettersen OAM JP, inviting young people to engage with Menang-led installations.
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The Albany Historical Society is incredibly proud to provide a permanent home for these significant sculptures and are honoured to support this important Bicentenary legacy and ensure the artworks remain accessible to the community for generations to come.
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The exhibition takes place at Binalup / Middleton Beach, from 10–19 April 2026, inviting visitors to experience contemporary sculpture in one of Albany’s most significant coastal landscapes.
In 1963, Postmaster, Mr. Wally Offer presented a comprehensive and captivating account of the long and rich history of Albany's postal and telecommunications services
Major Doctor Ingoldby had been severely wounded at the notorious Battle of Koster River in the western Transvaal, South Africa on 21st-23rd July 1900.
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Sydney, November 1826. The newspapers eagerly reported the departure of an Expedition to King George’s Sound including many details of the brig, Amity.
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A fascinating and enlightening in-depth discovery of the extraordinary Menang Noongar people and Tommy King. With diplomacy, tact and loyal to their country, culture and human-kind.​
For a man who held a highly responsible position of authority and had a successful military career spanning twenty-five years, there is scant recognition of Captain Wakefield’s legacy.​
A visionary vanguard, who with the assistance of his officers, the convicts and the Menang people, laid the foundation for the first settlement in Western Australia.​
NATIONAL TRUST OF WA
Portraits of Grace and Honour
The restoration of the Spencer portraits, honouring a legacy and inspiring visitors at Strawberry Hill at Barmup.
The Albany Historical Society is proud to have on long-term loan to the National Trust of Western Australia two significant portraits of Lady Ann Spencer and Sir Richard Spencer. These captivating artworks, titled "Anne Warden Liddon at Her Family Home, Langmore Manor" and "Richard Spencer as a Young Man", hold a special place in Albany's heritage. They are displayed at Strawberry Hill at Barmup, inspiring visitors with the rich history they represent.
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The National Trust of WA undertook restoration of these timeless portraits, a project helping preserve Lady Ann and Sir Richard Spencer’s legacy for future generations. As custodians, we are proud to see their legacy honoured and preserved. The Albany Historical Society supports the restoration and looks forward to their continued journey at the Strawberry Hill at Barmup Museum.