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.
We also 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 usually restricted to members. All visitors are welcome to browse our collections during our ‘open’ hours or by appointment.
Lorraine Clarke and Dr. Shane Burke Lectures
Former President, Penny Hoffman introduced Lorraine Clarke of Swan Genealogy, who presented the highs and lows of interpreting Historical St. John’s records and reconciling the results with newspaper records, digital and on film reels at Battye Library and with family histories. The end result will be a searchable database accessible on line.
Then Vince Taylor, Warden at Blythewood introduced Dr. Shane Burke of Notre Dame University and reminisced about some of the “Digs” they had worked on together.
Dr. Burke explained the capabilities of the Deep Penetrating Radar equipment and the various soil types it works in best. Poorer results are expected in Iron rich soils and river loams like we have at St. John’s, except in this case. Two runs were selected, relatively free of Headstones, Reticulation pipes and tree roots, which did not leave us much wriggle room.
The readings which needed a great deal of interpreting, consisted of a pulse directed down and a reflecting parabolic curve returning after hitting something, be it disturbed softer ground, a coffin, water pipe, tree root or the water table. After several runs, a more accurate indication occurs after much study back at home base. In Dr. Burke’s presentation, we were able to see the difference between a child’s burial and an adult. All we can hope for in a much more detailed search is the number of burials, but not who they are.
The ultimate goal is to construct a board with the names of people that are known to be buried there but without headstones.
The lecture was well attended by 40 plus people in the Lesser Hall and an excellent supper was enjoyed afterward.
AGM 23/08/2022 07:00 at Lesser Hall Pinjarra Guest Speaker to be notified.
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:
- 1834 Massacre – Pinjarra
- Alcoa
- North Dandalup
- Rose Garden Edenvale – this display from mid-October
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.
