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: Where It Began
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.
ALBANY CONVICT GAOL
Step Back in Time: Explore Albany’s Convict History.
267 Stirling Terrace,
Albany/Kinjarling
Open Daily: 10am - 4pm
PATRICK TAYLOR COTTAGE
Explore the Charm of Albany’s Early Settlers.
37 Duke Street,
Albany/Kinjarling
Open Daily: 11am - 3pm
DUKE STREET PARK
Discover Albany’s Exploration Heritage in Duke Street Park.
CURRENT ART EXHIBITION
Albany 2026-7 Bicentenary Art Exhibition. A 200 Year Journey of art and inspiration.
Albany Historical Society Inc. are proud to present a landmark art exhibition showcasing original artworks, drawn from the Society’s archives. This carefully curated exhibition features watercolours, sketches and illustrations, many shown publicly for the first time. Together, they offer an immersive journey through 200 years of artistic expression in Albany and the Great Southern region.
EXHIBIT DETAILS
21 January 2026 - 22 January 2027
Open Daily: 10am - 4pm
AN EVENING WITH DR. DON GARDEN
An illuminating evening of exploration, discovery and heritage. Exploring Albany’s 200 Year Journey.
Join one of Australia’s most respected historians, Dr. Donald Garden (OAM), in an illuminating exploration of Albany’s 200 year journey. Author of Albany: A Panorama of the Sound from 1827, Dr. Garden brings history to life, sharing behind the scenes stories, rare insights and events that have shaped the region’s remarkable 200 year journey as WA’s first and oldest settlement.
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, 9 October 2026 and Saturday, 10 October 2026
6.30pm to 9.30pm
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.
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.
.png)