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.
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.
LOCAL HISTORY
Albany Classic History
Ninety Years of Speed, Spirit and Community
For nearly ninety years, the streets of Albany have carried the memory of roaring engines, daring drivers and one of the most remarkable chapters in Western Australian motorsport history.
What began as an ambitious Easter race meeting in 1936 quickly evolved into a tradition that captured the imagination of thousands and established Albany as the home of “round the houses” racing in Western Australia. Yet the story of the Albany Classic is about far more than motor racing alone. It is a story of community spirit, local pride and a town that embraced the excitement and spectacle of a new era.
LOCAL HISTORY
Albany Woollen Mills
Connecting Threads: Sally Pell Weaves Albany’s Woollen Mill History Back to Life
Few people have dedicated themselves to preserving Albany’s history quite like Sally Pell. Through passion, care and an extraordinary private collection, Sally brings the story of the Albany Woollen Mills back to life in Connecting Threads — a moving exhibition celebrating the industry that became the backbone of Albany for generations. From treasured blankets and personal memories to the story of wool itself, this exhibition weaves together history, community and identity in a truly unforgettable way.
Read more to discover the remarkable legacy of the Albany Woollen Mills and the woman helping preserve its story.
For more information about Connecting Threads: A History of the Albany Woollen Mills exhibition details and visiting information, please visit the Museum of the Great Southern.
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.
MEMBERS' PUBLICATION
The Latest Edition
Issue 2 | Autumn 2026
Our members' magazine is packed with fascinating stories, local history and heritage updates.
About the Magazine
The AHS Members magazine is published quarterly and exclusively for members of the Albany Historical Society. Each issue features in-depth articles, reasearch and stories that brings Albany's past to life.
Inside This Issue
Lady Ann Warden Spencer
From English gentry to pioneer and colonial matriarch.
Murderous Moments in the Great Southern Part 2
Revisiting crimes that once shocked our communities.
Frederick North
A story of perseverance, vision and shaping Albany’s future.
For the Fallen
A timeless tribute to sacrifice and service and honouring those who gave their lives in war.
Rosa ‘Madame Isaac Pereire’
The story behind the name of the rose
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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.
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