Swan Guildford Historical Society

Swan Guildford Historical Society

Swan Guildford Historical Society is a not-for-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Guildford and the Swan region.

Front of Colonial Gaol with visitors

Tours

Come on a guided tour to hear stories about law and order in Guildford. The perfect day out for the family, our tour includes the Colonial Gaol, Taylor’s Cottage, the prison exercise yard and lastly the Wash House.

Donated art deco cigarette lighter

Donate

Swan Guildford Historical Society collects objects that are linked to key moments, people and places, showcasing the history of Guildford and the Swan Valley.

We appreciate offers to donate items that fit the following criteria:

We recommend you contact us first to discuss donating objects. Phone (08) 9379 1829 OR email sghistsoc@gmail.com. The Curator will then advise if the object is suitable for donation.  The next step it to sign a Donor / Deed of Gift Form.  The object would then become the property of the Swan Guildford Historical Society.

Our headquarters: Judy Hamersley House

About

Swan Guildford Historical Society was founded in 1962 thanks to the foresight of Judy Hamersley, granddaughter of pioneers Charles and Fanny Harper of Woodbridge.

Judy understood the importance of the area, firstly to Aboriginal people who had met in the area for generations, in the area they know as Mandoon. With the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829, Guildford became a market town and a transport hub, the agricultural cradle of the new settlement.

Judy’s mission was to gather artefacts for a museum and record the history of the area for current and future generations. Today Guildford is a recognised historic town, classified by the National Trust, and the Swan Valley is one of Western Australia’s most visited tourism destinations.

From these early beginnings, the Society’s museum collection has grown to be a must see attraction. We display items from our collections in the Colonial Gaol and in Taylor’s Cottage. A display of farming machinery and a blacksmith’s forge are located in the Gaol’s exercise yard.

Upcoming Events

Schubert photo gaol cell
Event Post 3
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Boy in Taylor's Cottage
Event Post 2
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Collection of Irons
Event Post 1
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Upcoming Events

Christmas/New Year Closure
09/01/2024
7:30 pm
Volunteer tour guides are taking a break over the festive season.  The Gaol and Taylor's Cottage will be closed from Tuesday 19th December, reopening on Tuesday 9th January 2024.
 
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
 

Gallery

Newsletter

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Historical Newsletters

Newsletter | November - December 2023
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Newsletter | September - October 2023
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Newsletter | July - August 2023
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Contact Us

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Opening Hours

Tours:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Time:

10AM to 2PM

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