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.
Please Note: during the festive season the Old Schoolmaster’s House will officially be:
- CLOSED on Monday 18th December 2023
- OPEN again on Friday 19th January 2024
- Visits By Appointment can still be arranged during the closed dates.
Contact persons: Val King 0458 673 608 or
Anne Cubitt 0422 516 283
Merv Beacham 0417 986 838
The Waldeck Reunion - held at old Mandurah Yacht Club 28 October 2023
About 100 people attended the reunion, not all signed in, we laid out 3 rows of trestles the length of the room with the details of 3 descendants’ families on each table plus a circular version with appendages. I had to split the family up into 9 sections of producing children of Frederick and Fredericka Waldeck.
I supplied 108 metres of Family Tree reports gleaned from many sources. My connection, very tenuous, John Morrell arrived 5/3/1831 per “Eliza” with wife and 3 children. The wife
Anne nee Thorpe only survived until 5/10/1832, however her Father, Ebenezer Thorpe 1761
– 1851 is my Great, Great, Great Grandfather and my Grandfather’s Mother was Elizabeth
Thorpe 1847 – 1919. Anne and John Morrell’s Grandson, John Frederick Morrell 1845 – 1921 married Mary Waldeck 1850 – 1926 and the rest is history.
I also produced booklets for people to amend with up to date information and corrections.
However, they found it easier to add the information to the paper on the trestles, which I am in the process of transcribing still. The Murray District’s Historical Society kindly lent 7 trestles to help out with the display and we even used 2 damaged ones and still come up short. The event passed all too quickly with many questions unanswered, however we are still working on it. Eleanor Kay from Mandurah was presented with a gift for her supervisory work which was very much appreciated.
(Article submitted by Mervyn Beacham)
Murray Districts Historical Society continues to hold interesting events throughout the year, so watch this space for the next event!
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:
- Festivals and Events in Murray Districts
- Coolup Farms and Families
- 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.
Murray Districts Historical Society wishes you all
a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
We are grateful to all of our Sponsors, Supporters and our Volunteers
and we look forward to All Visitors during 2024.