Welcome to the Albany Historical Society
Creating the opportunity to connect with the past, to celebrate the present.
The Albany Historical Society (AHS) celebrates Albany 'Kinjarling', we recognise our community's diverse cultural heritage, our rich and unique history and the important role Albany played as the first British colonial and Aboriginal settlement of Western Australia. We respect and recognise the connection to country of the Menang Noognar people and the importance Kinjarling holds in their culture and in their day to day lives.
​
The Albany 2026 Bicentenary is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our development, our influential figures, their cultural links, years of hardship, triumph, perseverance and determination. We pay respect to all ancestors and celebrate who we have become.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Relocating to Albany changed John McKail’s outlook on life and maturity altered McKail into a man of his word. McKail certainly left his mark without a doubt yet his contribution to Albany must not be forgotten or over shadowed.
EARLY SETTLER
Mr. Dunn was better known as a wheelwright, pastoralist and builder. He was contracted with John McKail to build the first Albany Jetty and was also appointed Gaoler and Police Constable in 1841-1849 and a Member of the Albany Town Trust in 1860.
HISTORY MATTERS
On the 5 December 1931, Norman House (then named Edwards House) became the first Toc H Mark I for Australia. In 1931, there were 28 Marks in the world, the first in the Commonwealth by way of gift from Miss Dymes.
PIONEER PATHWAYS
Honouring the people who contributed to the first settlement of Western Australia and the place it is today.
Honouring our founders and pioneers of Albany (Kinjarling) and their incredible contributions to the region and state of Western Australia. This informative walk through history will educate visitors, local community and the many school and youth groups that we welcome each year and by their incredible contributions, have created the community we have today.
LATEST NEWS ARTICLE
Stuart McGuckin | Albany Advertiser
Tue, 26 March 2024 3:00PM
Brave history buffs and thrillseekers will get the chance to explore Albany Convict Gaol in a whole new light on Saturday evening. The Albany Historical Society is throwing open the gaol's doors for five hours from 7pm to midnight to allow patrons to wander through what is considered one of the most haunted buildings in Albany.
AHS treasurer Grant Peake said only candles strategically placed throughout the complex would light the way for those brave enough to walk the gaol's passages and wander through its cells at night. "It will make the atmosphere of the experience completely different," he said.
​
Mr Peake said many visitors had reported "experiences" and that his own had been within one of the main corridors.