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.
First General Meeting for 2022, Tuesday 22nd February at 7 - 9pm
The Murray Districts Historical Society will hold its first General Meeting for 2020
@ The Lesser Hall Pinjarra Road, Pinjarra
Guest Speaker:
Shellie Cummings
Topic: Part 2 - In the Footsteps of Adam Armstrong- Pioneer of Ravenswood and Dalkeith
Supper will be served at the conclusion of the meeting.
- Cost: Members, $2 Non-members, $5
For further information, please contact our Secretary, Anne Cubitt on 0422 516 283
or President, Brenda Beacham on 0439 911 461
In Search of the Dead
Friday the 14th of January at 10:00am saw a flurry of activity at the picturesque St. John’s Church Yard, Doctor Shane Burke and five eager students from Notre Dame University started setting up to search for unmarked grave sites as a project for the Murray Districts Historical Society. The aims are to locate with deep penetrating ground radar, to search for anomalies in soil density which with further interpretation of data received, will indicate unmarked grave sites. This provides experience for the students as well as an idea of how many graves are unaccounted for.
A future project for the society is to create a notice board indicating the names of the people known to be buried in unmarked graves, but not their location. Process will consist of deducting known marked headstone names from the total number of people known to be buried in the cemetery. The cost involved will be the subject of a grant application.
The project lasted until 2pm, with encouraging results as well as learning a lot about a lot of things that affect the readings, such as water reticulation pipes, irregular watering, soil density, presence of Coffee Rock below the surface, tree roots and the water table level.
Members of the Society were on hand to supply local information as well as open St. John’s Church for visitors attracted by the working group and in turn were directed to visit the Old Schoolmasters House for the photographic exhibitions.
(Submitted by Merv Beacham - permission granted by Professor Shane Burke)
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.
At the Old Schoolmaster’s House in Henry Street, Pinjarra … Come and look through the House as there is much more history to see and learn about!
OPEN each Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm, or by appointment
- our Volunteers will welcome you.
Do you have an interest in the history of Pinjarra and the Murray Districts?
If you would like to become one of our volunteers, please advise Jill on 0408 846 567 or by email alanjill37@hotmail.com
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 2022.