Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS

Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS We collect, preserve and display items relating to early settlement of Guildford and the Swan Valley in Western Australia.

Tours of our history museum are available for individuals, primary school students, seniors and community groups. The Swan Guildford Historical Society was founded in 1962 by Judy Hamersley, a granddaughter of Charles and Fanny Harper of Woodbridge. Judy's mission was to preserve the history of Guildford, and its pivotal role in the settlement of the Swan River Colony, later known as the State of

Western Australia. From early beginnings we now have a unique collection of artefacts known to have been used by early settlers. In partnership with the City of Swan, we manage a museum including a Colonial gaol and Taylor's Cottage, once the home of an ex convict and his family. We welcome you to visit our museum where we tell the story of Guildford's formative years as a centre for law and order.

Some more pictures from our WA Day event at Guildford today.A group photo gathered around the flagpole at the Colonial G...
01/06/2026

Some more pictures from our WA Day event at Guildford today.

A group photo gathered around the flagpole at the Colonial Gaol building, and Edgar Ani explaining about his research in the car park outside the Gaol.

It was a great morning celebrating WA Day in Guildford.At the Mechanics Institute, Notre Dame archaeology undergraduate ...
01/06/2026

It was a great morning celebrating WA Day in Guildford.

At the Mechanics Institute, Notre Dame archaeology undergraduate Edgar Ani talked about his research into the Colonial Gaol in Meadow Street. He presented documentation on the establishment of the lock-up from 1841 through to the 1850's. Some interesting surprises were discovered, with more research to be done in the near future.

After a thought provoking presentation, we broke for morning tea, including a luscious WA Day cake that was enjoyed by all. Later attendees were invited to visit the Colonial Gaol where Edgar pointed out his areas of research.

The photo shows the cake cutting with - from left - Swan Guildford Historical Society Curator Alexander Reid, City of Swan Councillor Rod Henderson, archaeologist and SGHS Vice President Dr. Shane Burke, City of Swan Councillor Ian Johnson and our guest speaker, Edgar Ani.

Thanks go to all who attended on an uncertain day, weather wise!

HISTORY MATTERS with the Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHSMONDAY JUNE 8THTime: 7pm for a 7.30pm startSt. Matt...
01/06/2026

HISTORY MATTERS with the Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS

MONDAY JUNE 8TH
Time: 7pm for a 7.30pm start
St. Matthews Anglican Church Hall
Stirling Square, Meadow Street, Guildford

GUEST SPEAKER: Darryl Brady from Brady Family Tree in Western Australia

‘How DNA, genealogy and place-based research can connect us to the present’.

Genealogist, public speaker and author Darryl Brady will introduce colonists and convicts alike. Botanist Thomas Waters of Olive Farm, Guildford, and George Trew of the Avon Valley, or the Braddy family of Colchester, are representative of those identified through digital resources that connect generations and enrich family history.

Darryl’s illustrated presentation will help depict the techniques used in unlocking family and community history.

Following the presentation, you're invited to join us for a light supper.

🔹VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
Are you passionate about history and would like to share your knowledge with others?

The society is seeking volunteer Tour Guides for the Colonial Gaol and Museum Precinct, with either weekend or weekday availability.
Full training will be provided.

Enquiries:
Ph: 08 9379 1829
[email protected].

swanguildfordhistoricalsociety.org.au

Perth and Western Australia Genealogy Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association Bassendean Historical Society

BUS TOUR with Dr Shane Burke, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and History.EXPLORE THE SWAN VALLEYSunday June 7TH9AM - 12P...
26/05/2026

BUS TOUR with Dr Shane Burke, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology and History.

EXPLORE THE SWAN VALLEY
Sunday June 7TH
9AM - 12PM

Join the Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS for our upcoming tour of historic sites in the Swan Valley.
Limited seats available. Book now to avoid disappointment.

BOOKINGS: For further information and booking details, click on
https://square.link/u/ngi62vkD

PH: 08 9379 1829
E: [email protected]
swanguildfordhistoricalsociety.org.au

Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association City of Swan Bassendean Historical Society

Join the Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS as we celebrate WA Day.Monday, 1st June 202610 am - 11.30 amMechan...
25/05/2026

Join the Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS as we celebrate WA Day.

Monday, 1st June 2026
10 am - 11.30 am
Mechanics Institute
21 Meadow Street, Guildford.

Guest Speaker Edgar Ani

After the flag-raising ceremony at 10AM, Edgar will talk to us about "Guildford Gaol house rock: revising the early history of the Gaol site".

Edgar is a final year undergraduate in archaeology, under the supervision of Dr Shane Burke at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle. During a recent physical survey of the Colonial Gaol site, Edgar's peers and Shane found inconsistencies with the physical remnants of the site. Edgar then conducted further research to reconcile the data. As a result, several historical documents were found, which change the current understanding of the early years of the Colonial Gaol building.

After the talk, you're invited to join us for morning tea.
All welcome.

* The Colonial Gaol will be open for viewing during the morning*

swanguildfordhistoricalsociety.org.au

Join us for our next bus tour of historic sights in the Swan Valley on Sunday 7 June, from 9am through to 12pm. Tickets...
21/05/2026

Join us for our next bus tour of historic sights in the Swan Valley on Sunday 7 June, from 9am through to 12pm. Tickets selling fast, so make sure you get yours as soon as you can!

Click the link for more information, booking details in the flyer attached.

Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS took part in all the fun of the (Medieval) Fayre recently at Lilac Hill, Gu...
20/05/2026

Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS took part in all the fun of the (Medieval) Fayre recently at Lilac Hill, Guildford, with volunteers manning a marquis displaying some interesting artefacts.

It's always a pleasure to go on the road, meeting and talking to people about the Historical Society's mission to collect and preserve items that trace the rich history of Guildford and the Swan Valley. We plan on participating in similar events, so keep an eye out for us at our next mobile museum display.

Photos on the day show volunteer and tour guide, Kath talking to Vice President, Shane Burke ; people checking out the displays ; and President Andrew Minogue with Vice President Shane Burke..

Building Skills & Preserving History 🏛📚Recently Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS held a Museum Documentation...
13/05/2026

Building Skills & Preserving History 🏛📚

Recently Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS held a Museum Documentation Workshop at Judy Hammersley House. The first in a series of workshops to be made available to Society Volunteers.

Led by Stephen Anstey, former Head of History at Museums WA, the workshop provided participants with both the theory and practice behind professional museum documentation. From understanding object significance to mastering correct documentation techniques, Stephen’s guidance offered invaluable real-world insight.

A key highlight was the participation of archaeology students from The University of Notre Dame Australia (NDA), who worked alongside SGHS volunteers, and SGHS curator Alexander Reid, as the Society continues to foster its partnership with NDA and explore volunteering and internship opportunities.

Our sincere thanks to Stephen Anstey, and to everyone who attended and contributed to this extremely rewarding day. Partnerships like these strengthen historical understanding and support education. Photos show Stephen Anstey with Andrew Minogue, President of Swann Guildford Historical Society, and workshop participants.

✨ Interested in volunteering or learning more about opportunities with the Swan Guildford Historical Society?
We’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us via message or through our website to explore how you can be involved in preserving local history.

Did you know? In Colonial times, the Guildford Police Station was staffed by a large contingent of police, including mo...
08/05/2026

Did you know? In Colonial times, the Guildford Police Station was staffed by a large contingent of police, including mounted police, Aboriginal trackers and police officers within the building.

Our mannequin on display in the Colonial Gaol is dressed as a mounted policeman, wearing a blue jacket and cap, with white trousers. Aboriginal trackers also wore this uniform.
Police stationed in the building wore blue trousers, jacket and cap.
Come and hear more about policing in Guildford, when you come on a tour of our museum.
Opening hours: every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Time: 10am to 2pm.
Location: 24 Meadow Street Guildford. Right next door to the Swan Valley Visitors Centre.

MAKING HISTORY MATTERWe look forward to your company at this month's presentation hosted by the Swan Guildford Historica...
04/05/2026

MAKING HISTORY MATTER

We look forward to your company at this month's presentation hosted by the Swan Guildford Historical Society Inc - SGHS.

MONDAY MAY 11TH
Time: 7PM for 7:30PM
Venue: St. Matthews Anglican Church Hall

GUEST SPEAKER: James Cassidy

James is a teacher and an author. His research initially focused on Western Australia’s history to enhance his teaching, but it has since evolved into a broader study of how the early Swan River Colony influenced the region’s development.

James examines spatial conflict in the early years of settlement. His research into the Swan Valley settlers’ competition for the Whadjuk people's land and resources traces cooperation and conflict. The exceptional interaction between George Fletcher Moore of Millendon and Yagan was not to prove the norm.

At the conclusion of the presentation, join us for a light supper. It's a great opportunity to connect with members of the society.

🔹VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you passionate about history and would like to share your knowledge with others?

The society is seeking volunteer Tour Guides for the Colonial Gaol and Museum Precinct, with either weekend or weekday availability.
Full training will be provided.

Enquiries:
Ph: 08 9379 1829
E: [email protected].

swanguildfordhistoricalsociety.org.au

Bassendean Historical Society Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association Royal Western Australian Historical Society

Address

24 Meadow Street
Perth, WA
6055

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+61893791829

Website

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