Our Past . Our Story . Our Albany
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.
As Albany enters the Bicentenary year in 2026 and 2027, the Society is extending its programs, exhibitions and community engagement initiatives to commemorate this significant milestone in the region’s history. Through these bicentenary celebrations, we aim to deepen understanding of Albany/Kinjarling’s unique historical journey, while fostering reflection, connection, and shared storytelling across the community.
We celebrate Albany/Kinjarling 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.
Parade Street Recognised as Western Australia’s Oldest Street
We are extremely proud to welcome the City of Albany’s recognition of Parade Street as the oldest street in Western Australia. For some 20 years, the AHS has quietly advocated for Parade Street’s remarkable historical significance to be formally acknowledged. We are delighted to see this important part of Albany’s heritage now recognised in such a visible and lasting way.
AHS has been pleased to contribute historical knowledge, research and continued advocacy over many years in support of this recognition. While we are proud to have played a part in bringing the story of Parade Street to greater attention, the real significance of this achievement belongs to Albany and its extraordinary history.
The new signage, identifying Parade Street as “WA’s Oldest Street,” provides a simple but important reminder of Albany’s place at the very beginning of Western Australia’s European history. For residents, visitors and future generations, it is another opportunity to appreciate that the streets, buildings and landscapes surrounding us are not simply old—they form part of the story of the establishment and development of Western Australia.
After two decades of patiently championing the historical importance of Parade Street, it is particularly satisfying for the AHS to see this recognition become a reality. We extend our appreciation to the City of Albany for acknowledging the significance of Parade Street and helping ensure this important piece of our shared heritage receives the recognition it deserves.
In 1963, Postmaster, 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 21-23 July 1900.
Sydney, November 1826. The newspapers eagerly reported the departure of an Expedition to King George’s Sound including many details of the brig, Amity.
A fascinating and enlightening discovery of the extraordinary Tommy King and the Menang people with diplomacy, tact and loyal to their country, culture and humankind.
A man who held a high 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.
Sculpture at Binalup: A Lasting Legacy of the Albany 2026 Bicentenary.
As part of the Albany 2026 Bicentenary, the 16 contemporary works presented at the Sculpture at Binalup will find their permanent home at Duke Street following the exhibition from 10-19 April 2026 at Binalup / Middleton Beach.
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.
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.