For more than sixty years, the Albany Historical Society has been dedicated to the preservation and protection of Albany’s rich heritage and history. This enduring commitment reflects a deep respect for the stories, traditions, and landmarks that define our community, ensuring that future generations may understand, appreciate, and connect with the legacy that has shaped Albany.

 

In early 1962, a group of concerned Albany residents convened to discuss the increasing destruction of the town’s built heritage. Among them was the late Mrs Judith Gleeson, who was appointed to write to the (Royal) Western Australian Historical Society (RWAHS) to formally express the group’s concerns regarding the changes occurring within the town.

 

The response to Mrs Gleeson’s letter resulted in a public meeting of approximately 40 residents on 4 June 1962 at 8.00 pm in the Country Women’s Association Hall in Serpentine Road, Albany. The meeting was chaired by Mr Charles Johnson, Mayor of the Town of Albany. At this meeting, it was resolved to establish the Albany Branch of the (Royal) Western Australian Historical Society, in accordance with one of the options outlined in the correspondence received from the parent organisation.

 

Robert Stephens is remembered as one of Albany’s most significant local historians and researchers and stands as a central figure in the preservation and interpretation of Albany’s historical records. Mr Stephens became the inaugural Patron of the Albany Branch of the RWAHS in 1962 and the first Life Member, a role he held until his death in 1974.

 

One of the newly formed group’s primary concerns was the preservation of a small cottage on Duke Street. This building, later known as Patrick Taylor Cottage, was at the time deserted and in a deteriorated condition. Fortunately, it was being cared for to some degree by its neighbours, Bonnie and Adeline Hicks, a mother and daughter who would later make significant contributions to the documentation of Albany’s history through numerous writings and publications. For many years, the Hicks family welcomed visitors to the cottage; however, there was growing concern that the building was at risk of demolition.

 

The cottage was also of exceptional historical significance, as it was the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia. Constructed in 1832 by John Morley, one of the first settlers to King George’s Sound, it was sold to Patrick Taylor following his arrival in Albany in 1834. The cottage was subsequently opened to the public, supported by generous donations of artefacts, photographs and historical items from the local community, as well as the considerable efforts of volunteers from the newly established Albany Branch of the RWAHS. In doing so, Albany gained its first museum, with guided visits conducted by arrangement and supported by dedicated members and the Hicks family.

 

Within a short time, the Albany Branch of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society developed a reputation as an active and determined advocate for heritage protection. The group demonstrated a clear unwillingness to allow historically significant buildings to be redeveloped without scrutiny or challenge. This position was not universally welcomed, particularly by developers who viewed the group as an impediment to redevelopment.

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On 11 May 1967 at 8.10 pm, the Albany Branch of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society formally ceased to exist following the approval of incorporation under the Incorporations Act. At 8.30 pm the same evening, the Albany Historical Society (Inc) (AHS) was formally established, with all assets, office bearers, and members transferred to the new organisation, thereafter referred to as the AHS.

 

A significant milestone was achieved on 31 May 1968 when the AHS was granted a Crown management order for the Old Albany Convict Gaol. While this acquisition represented a major opportunity for the society, it also presented substantial challenges, as the building was in an advanced state of disrepair and required extensive restoration to enable its use as a folk museum.

 

In July 1970, the election of the late Mr Homer White as President marked a defining moment in the society’s development. Mr White served as president for sixteen years, a period characterised by stability and growth. His contribution to the AHS was exceptional, encompassing not only leadership responsibilities but also practical tasks such as maintenance, cleaning, and grounds work. During much of the 1960s, he had also chaired meetings in the absence of the then president, the late Father Newbold.

 

Mr White and his wife, the late Mrs Ethel White, who served as secretary for many years, demonstrated extraordinary personal commitment when they secured a mortgage on their home to fund the replacement of the roof at Patrick Taylor Cottage, at a time when the society lacked sufficient financial resources.  This period was also notable for the society’s formal meeting practices, which included the issuing of gold-embossed invitations specifying meeting details, supper arrangements and dress expectations.

 

During the mid-1970s, the AHS formed a close association with Professor Donald Garden OAM FFAHS FRHSV, who spent many months working within the society’s archives while researching his book Albany: A Panorama of the Sound from 1827. This publication remains the most comprehensive historical account of Albany and the surrounding district. Professor Garden has maintained a longstanding relationship with the society and was awarded life membership in 2010. His recent assistance in supporting the preservation of a significant heritage property proved instrumental in achieving a positive outcome.

 

In 1990, the society commenced a major restoration project of the Old Albany Convict Gaol. This project was overseen by the late Mrs Joan Blight, the society’s first female president, and supported by funding from the National Estates Grant Program alongside the society’s own resources. The restoration was undertaken in four stages and completed in 1994. The AHS remains deeply appreciative of Mrs Blight and all those involved in delivering a restoration of outstanding quality, resulting in the Convict Gaol Museum enjoyed today.

 

In the early 1990s, the society secured a lease from the City of Albany for the Old Westrail Barracks located on the corner of Frederick and Spencer Streets. Originally constructed in 1870 as the P&O Co-operative Store, the building had served many purposes over time. While the upper level was used for offices and meetings, the lower level housed collections unable to be displayed elsewhere. The building was opened to the public in 2010; however, the lease concluded in 2013 and the property was returned to the City of Albany.

 

In late 2002, Mr Andrew Eyden joined the AHS as an attendant at the Albany Convict Gaol. He was soon appointed secretary, a role he continues to fulfil. In 2007, Mr Eyden became the society’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer, a position created to support effective daily management. Under his leadership, the AHS has strengthened its organisational capacity, achieved higher professional standards, and established itself as a significant contributor to Albany’s tourism sector.

 

In 2005, the society successfully obtained a management order from the State Government for the former police sergeant’s residence on Duke Street, opposite Patrick Taylor Cottage. The order also included the adjoining vacant land formerly occupied by the Hicks family home. With the assistance of multiple grants, the Police House was renovated to serve as the society’s administrative headquarters. In 2008, a Federal Government grant of $121,000 enabled the development of the vacant land into Albany’s first botanical park. Today, the society is supported by over 70 volunteers contributing more than 12,000 hours annually.

 

Looking to the future, the society is currently engaged in the preservation of Norman House, a substantial Georgian residence built in 1858 and formerly home to Albany pioneer George Cheyne and his wife Grace. Following an AHS led campaign to prevent its demolition, the owners made the decision to gift the property to the society.

 

On the land title is transferred to AHS, restoration works will commence to return the building to its former condition, with future plans including office accommodation and exhibition space.

 

In late 2023, the AHS launched a new website, significantly enhancing community engagement and public awareness. Together with an active social media presence, this initiative reflects the society’s recognition of the importance of digital platforms in maintaining relevance. In parallel, the society has renewed its commitment to actively monitoring development within Albany, reaffirming its foundational role as an advocate for the protection of the city’s built heritage.

 

As the Albany 2026 bicentenary approaches, the society is working to ensure that 2026 and extending to 2027 provides an opportunity to celebrate both European and Indigenous histories. This landmark occasion, the first bicentenary in Western Australia, offers a unique platform to acknowledge Albany’s place in the state’s history and to honour the tens of thousands of years of Indigenous presence in the region. A series of events is planned across the year.

 

The Albany Historical Society acknowledges the many hundreds of individuals who, over decades, have contributed their time, skills and dedication to the organisation. Their collective efforts have shaped the society into what it is today. The AHS looks forward to continuing its role as an educator, guardian, and protector of Albany’s remarkable heritage for generations to come.