Explore the rich and diverse history with Albany Historical Society
The Albany Historical Society, established in 1962, is committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting Albany's (Kinjarling) rich and diverse history. Our history collection is among the oldest and most esteemed in Western Australia.
AHS celebrates Albany (Kinjarling) by honoring our community's varied cultural heritage and the significant role Albany played as the first British colonial and Aboriginal settlement in Western Australia. We acknowledge and respect the connection of the Menang Noongar people to the land and the significance of Kinjarling in their culture and everyday lives.
Albany Convict Gaol Museum
Explore the fascinating convict past at the Albany Convict Gaol Museum, as you wander through the cell blocks and look back to the era of the mid 1800s.
Patrick Taylor's Cottage Museum
Experience the lifestyle of the early settlers and visit Western Australia's oldest surviving dwelling, having been built by the Morley Brothers in 1832.
TOC H AUSTRALIA
Returning a tradition that commenced in Perth, Western Australia in 1929 and shining light around the world.
The World Chain of Light is conducted annually by Toc H members worldwide and has been continued for 95 years, taking place on the 11th – 12th December. In 2025, Albany Historical Society has been given the honour to commence the world chain of light at Mark I Australia (now known as Norman House) at 9.00pm on Sunday, 11th December 2025, where the chain will move westwards around the world with Toc H branches all lighting their Lamps at 9.00pm local time until the chain of light is completed at 9.00pm on the 12th December.
Latest at the History Hub
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. This decisive battle on 21st-23rd July 1900, resulted in 6 dead and 22 wounded.
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
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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SPECIAL FEATURE
The poem is one of the most famous war poems, with its theme of individual sacrifice that popularised the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
“In Flanders Fields” is one of the most famous war poems, written by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during World War I. The poem was penned in May 1915, inspired by the sight of poppies growing amidst the graves of soldiers in Flanders, a region in Belgium heavily impacted by the war.
Upcoming Tours
TOUR DETAILS
TOUR DATES:
TIME:
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WHERE:
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PRICES:
28 December 2024 and
25 January 2025
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7:00pm to midnight
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267 Stirling Terrace,
Albany, Western Australia
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$ 15.00 per adult
$45.00 for a family pass
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No pre-sale tickets
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Purchase tickets on the night
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Last entry at 11.00pm
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Eftpos and cash accepted
Latest News
NATIONAL TRUST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
National Trust of WA adds Norman House to the List of Classified Places
The National Trust of Western Australia (NTWA) has officially included Norman House, Magnolia Tree, Cheyne’s Stable and Outbuilding, and Oak Tree on the List of Classified Places. We extend our gratitude to NTWA for their respectful acknowledgment of the cultural significance this place holds for our city and state, along with the rich and diverse history.
Albany Historical Society and Advance Housing Limited are working to finalise the transfer of Norman House. We eagerly anticipate starting the restoration project with our community, which will not only revive one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city and state but also create a museum that reconnects the community with our rich history, providing an educational resource for residents, students, and visitors each year.
