Our Past . Our Story . Our Albany
Early Albany: A Landmark Publication for Albany’s Bicentenary
2026 is set to be a landmark year in Albany’s history as the city prepares to commemorate 200 years since the arrival of the HM Brig Amity and the establishment of Western Australia’s first European settlement. This historic bicentenary milestone provides a unique opportunity to reflect on Albany’s remarkable journey and celebrate the people, events and stories that have shaped the region over two centuries.
Adding to the significance of this occasion is the highly anticipated new publication by renowned author John Dowson. Early Albany is already generating considerable excitement as one of the flagship projects of the bicentenary celebrations. Marking Western Australia’s first bicentenary, this important work promises to captivate readers through its rich storytelling, meticulous research and remarkable historical insights. Exploring Albany’s early years and enduring legacy, Early Albany offers a compelling tribute to the city’s heritage and will serve as a treasured record for generations to come.
Albany’s rich past is brought vividly to life through remarkable research, storytelling and historic insight.
Albany’s rich and fascinating past is brought vividly to life through exceptional research, compelling storytelling and remarkable historical insight. As Albany approaches its bicentenary in December 2026, commemorating 200 years since the arrival of the HM Brig Amity, this milestone publication has been created to honour one of the most significant moments in the city’s history. Capturing two centuries of heritage, resilience, and community, Early Albany stands as a fitting tribute to this historic occasion.
The highly anticipated new book by renowned author John Dowson is already generating considerable excitement as Western Australia prepares to celebrate its first bicentenary. Commissioned specifically to mark Albany’s 200-year milestone, Early Albany offers an authoritative and engaging account of the people, places, and events that shaped the region.
The Albany Historical Society is proud to be a major sponsor of this significant publication. Our longstanding partnership with John Dowson includes his acclaimed work Old Albany: Photographs 1850–1950, a benchmark publication that combined meticulous historical research with more than 250 rare and original photographs.
Having had the privilege of viewing the completed publication, we can confidently say that Early Albany is an extraordinary achievement. Richly detailed, beautifully presented, and deeply engaging, it brings Albany’s story to life in a way that will captivate both residents and visitors alike.
Building on Dowson’s distinguished legacy, this new work explores Albany’s early settlement, maritime importance, cultural development, and enduring heritage. Through extensive research and thoughtful interpretation, Early Albany provides a comprehensive account of the city’s journey over two centuries.
More than a commemorative publication, Early Albany will become a treasured keepsake of Albany’s bicentenary year and an enduring record of the region’s unique heritage for generations to come.
John Dowson: Esteemed Local Historian and Author of Old Albany.
John Dowson’s previous work, Old Albany: Photographs 1850–1950, remains a landmark in preserving Albany’s heritage. Published in 2008 by the National Trust of Western Australia, this limited-edition hardcover featured over 250 original photographs, many previously unpublished, capturing Albany’s early days in remarkable detail.
Building on this success, Dowson is now preparing a new publication titled Early Albany to commemorate the 2026 Bicentenary. This forthcoming book will explore Albany’s rich history more deeply, encompassing early settlement, maritime significance, heritage, and local culture. It promises to be a cornerstone of the bicentenary celebrations, offering readers a historical pictorial journey through two centuries of Albany’s story.
The Albany Historical Society’s partnership with John Dowson reflects a shared commitment to documenting and celebrating Albany’s past. Dowson’s meticulous research and dedication to local heritage have made him a trusted collaborator, with his work continuing to educate both residents and visitors about Albany’s enduring cultural tapestry.
