MURRAY DISTRICTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Located at the Old Schoolmaster's House, Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra.
Our volunteers are there to greet you on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm, or by appointment.
The aim of the Historical Society is to research, collect, maintain and share stories of the Murray District that stretches from North Dandalup to Coolup, from West Murray to Dwellingup – and including the vibrant town of Pinjarra. We have a well maintained local history library, interesting displays and a large collection of photographs, documents, and display books.
VOLUNTEERS … would you like to become one too?
We have a strong membership of enthusiastic people and are always looking for additional members to join us. If you have a love of history, in particular of the Murray District, or if you have information to share, please visit us. And if you like what you see, consider becoming a member of our group. Our general meetings with a guest speaker are open to visitors. Other events, including bus trips, are available to members. All visitors are welcome to browse our collections during our ‘open’ hours or by appointment.
Events in 2024
18 April – 19 May 2024 – National Trust Heritage Festival
“The Australian Heritage Festival is the country's largest community-driven celebration of heritage. For more than 40 years the National Trust has connected the nation through the Australian Heritage Festival celebrations.
From the city to the regions right across Australia, the festival an opportunity for the community to immerse themselves in the country’s rich and diverse heritage, offering unmatched access to special exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops, food fairs, ceremonies, demonstrations, dinners and more.
Returning in April and May with the theme Connections, the 2024 festival will celebrate the rich and diverse stories of our nation, strengthen cultural and historical ties and encourage the community to forge new bonds. It acknowledges our link to people, places and the past, and the enduring connections that will shape the future of heritage.”
JUNE 2024
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June 2024 – PINJARRA FESTIVAL
”Gather the family and head to Pinjarra on Saturday 1 June and Sunday 2 June for the 2024 Pinjarra Festival!
Murray's largest, free community event, is set to entertain the whole family with an exciting line-up of acts, activities and attractions including live music, market stalls, vintage car and machinery displays, wine tasting shed, woodturning demonstrations and food trucks.”
(Murray Shire Council website)
Note:
- Food and Meal Bookings – Edenvale ph: 0433 745 300
- All General Enquiries – Dwellingup Visitors Centre ph: (08) 9538 1108
- Historical Enquiries & Material – MDHS (Val King) ph: 0458 673 608
Murray Districts Historical Society will be open the whole weekend 10am to 4pm.
Interesting Fact - History restored
Birchmont Visit
On Friday 23rd March 2024, Members of the Murray Districts Historical Society enjoyed a lovely brunch at the Old Schoolmasters House, before venturing out to Birchmont.
Birchmont Homestead is currently owned by Jason and Emma Harding who kindly opened the homestead for those from Murray Districts Historical Society lucky enough to attend and view.
It was easy to see why this location was chosen for the homestead to be built back in 1862 by Arthur Birch, with its amazing views of both Lake McLarty to the east (which has an abundance of bird life in the winter) and views of the Peel Estuary to the west. Unfortunately, around 2006 vandals damaged the original floorboards and windows. The house was in a state of disrepair when Jason and Emma purchased it, but they had a vision of how it could look and become their family home.
It is truly amazing to see what has been achieved with the renovations while keeping it as authentic as possible. The roofing has all been replaced with new boards, with an iron covering. The original pit-sawn weatherboards have been restored and now the rich colours of the jarrah are an outstanding feature of the flooring. The limestone and daub mud walls have been repointed and on entry, visitors are greeted with a limestone feature wall embedded with local seashells.
It was a pleasure and privilege to be able to visit this wonderful homestead that Jason and Emma have worked on so hard to become their family home which won the Professor David Dolan Award, in the Western Australian Heritage Awards 2023.
(article submitted by Lyn Ferris)
Other projects, meetings and tours are advertised closer to the date in the Community Newspaper.
Note: There is more to read on our Local History
so do come along to the Murray Districts Historical Society and see what is available.
Follow our monthly articles in the Community Newspaper for more information about the history of Pinjarra and the heritage buildings of the Murray District. And we always welcome any stories or photos you are willing to share with us.
Visit us to view our current photographic displays:
- ANZAC
- Coolup Sports and Social
- Alcoa
- North Dandalup
Follow our monthly articles in the Community Newspaper for more information about the history of Pinjarra and the heritage buildings of the Murray District. And we always welcome any stories or photos you are willing to share with us.
And we welcome new members.
For information about the Murray Districts Historical Society, its membership and its activities, please contact
Anne Cubitt – Secretary mdhspinjarra@outlook.com
For assistance with research or general questions about local history, contact Merv Beacham on 0417 986 838, or Val King on 0458 673 608
For more photos and stories of the rich history of the Murray, look at our Website murrayhistory.org.au/home or visit us at the Old Schoolmaster’s House within the Edenvale Heritage Precinct.
