History Hub
The history we share as a society, helps create an opportunity to connect to the past to celebrate the present.
Explore the rich and diverse history with Albany Historical Society
The History Hub serves as your online gateway to explore Albany's history and honor our vibrant heritage by fostering a deeper appreciation of our cultural legacy. Our team is devoted to researching, sourcing, and verifying our articles while upholding the highest ethical standards in both the content provided and the manner we deliver it.
FIRST SETTLERS
The first European women and children at King George Sound
Sydney, November 1826. The newspapers eagerly reported the departure of an Expedition to King George’s Sound including many details of the brig, Amity. Since that departure nearly 200 years ago, details of the soldiers, convicts, storekeeper and assistant surgeon – and livestock, food and other cargo – on board Amity have been reported, discussed and published.
ALBANY'S BOER WAR HERO
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.
EARLY SETTLER
Patrick Taylor was a leading figure in the town's affairs for several years. A fanatically religious man, he was deeply concerned with the death of clergymen in the new colony.
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WOMEN IN HISTORY
How a Menang girl became the Camfield's Schools best known student. At age 13 Bessy was awarded a certificate of proficiency that awarded Bessy to attend a Church of England Model School in Sydney, as a result.​​
NORMAN HOUSE
Read the fascinating history of the home of the first and early settlers and the contribution that shaped the foundation of Albany but the history of the State of Western Australia.
KING OF KINJARLING
A fascinating and enlightening in-depth discovery of the extraordinary Menang Noongar people. With diplomacy, tact and loyal to their country, culture and human-kind.
EARLY SETTLER
James 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.
ALBANY CONVICT GAOL
John McGovern was the Head Warder of the Albany Convict Gaol from 1879 to 1913. McGovern was a Police Constable at York in 1870-1 before he was transferred to Perth and then Fremantle.
TOC H AUSTRALIA HEADQUARTERS
On December, 5th 1931, Norman House (then Edwards House) became the first Toc H Mark I in Australia. In 1931, there were 28 Marks in the world, the first in the Commonwealth was by way of gift from Miss Dymes.
FOUNDER OF ALBANY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
A visionary vanguard, who with the assistance of his officers, the convicts and the Menang people, laid the foundation for Western Australia.
EARLY SETTLER
One might refer to John McKail as a ‘rebel with a cause’, a colourful character, who traversed the Swan River Colony with his fiery nature, acts of insurrection and irascible nature. Relocating to Albany altered McKail into a man of his word.
WOMEN IN HISTORY
Sir Richard, his wife Lady Ann Spencer and their nine children and eleven servants arrived at King George Sound on 13 September 1833. Sir Richard was newly appointed as Government Resident at Albany.​​​
THE ANZAC'S
The landing of the ANZACs on Gallipoli Peninsula was Australia’s first major action in World War One and the battles the ANZACs fought, established their great military reputation and served with distinction.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Captain Joseph Wakefield, the man who shared the great responsibility to organise and establish an effective penal settlement on the west coast of Australia.
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.
TRUE CRIME
Frederick Bailey Deeming
The greatest criminal of the nineteenth century, but was Deeming the most infamous serial killer - Jack the Ripper?
Deeming a globetrotting murderer, killing two of his wives and four children, assumed multiple identities and reputed occupations which lured many into his web of lies. Captured in the small goldfields’ town of Southern Cross in Western Australia, his transfer back to Melbourne, involved a night spent at the Albany Convict Gaol.
Question 1 of 12
Arrival of the brig Amity
The arrival of the brig Amity in King George Sound under the command of Major Edmund Lockyer, had 23 convicts and ship officers onboard to establish a British settlement.
What date did the brig arrive in King George Sounds?
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