Old Albany
Celebrating Albany’s Bicentenary with a comprehensive exploration of its people, places and heritage.
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John Dowson’s Insightful Journey Through 200 Years of Albany’s History, Culture, and Community Life.
The Albany Historical Society is honoured to be a major sponsor of a significant new publication commissioned to mark Western Australia’s first bicentenary in 2026. This upcoming book is the result of a collaboration with esteemed local historian John Dowson, whose work has long been celebrated for its depth, accuracy and evocative storytelling, that offer readers a profound exploration of Albany’s rich and layered history, celebrating the people, places and events that have shaped our city over the past two centuries.
Our partnership with John Dowson spans many years, including his acclaimed coffee table book, Old Albany: Photographs 1850–1950. That landmark publication featured over 250 original photographs—many previously unpublished—providing an intimate glimpse into Albany’s early days, its landscapes, and its vibrant community life. Through this earlier work, Dowson established a standard of excellence in historical research, combining meticulous scholarship with an ability to bring history to life for readers.
The forthcoming bicentenary publication promises to build upon this legacy, delving even deeper. From early settlement and maritime significance to cultural milestones and heritage conservation, the book will provide a comprehensive account of the city’s journey over two centuries. The Albany Historical Society is proud to support this important project, which will serve not only as a keepsake for the bicentenary celebrations but as a lasting record of Albany’s enduring 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Trust of Western Australia, this limited-edition hardcover featured over 250 original photographs, many previously unpublished, capturing Albany’s early days in remarkable detail.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 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.
