Welcome to the website of the Donnybrook Historical Society (Inc).

The Donnybrook district has a long history of Indigenous settlement, followed by European settlement from 1842.  It is a story worth telling and understanding.  Understanding and valuing our past enhances our present and future lives.

What do we aim to do?

The objectives of the Society are:

a)      To raise public awareness of, preserve, interpret and promote the history and heritage of the Donnybrook District.

b)      To identify, collect, classify, catalogue, interpret, preserve and store relevant records and objects with provenance to the Donnybrook District.

c)      To encourage donations of appropriate items.

d)     To provide a venue where such items can be seen and preserved, and information accessed and interpreted.

e)      To encourage research into local studies and the publication of articles and selected records.

f)       To attract and retain active membership of the Society through providing learning opportunities for members including holding workshops, interaction with other similar groups and promoting activities such as conferences, talks, visits and tours.

g)      To follow best museum practice.

The Society is an affiliate member of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society.

Over many years the main activity of the Society has been collecting and conserving many items of historic significance to the district.  These range from large items like farm machinery to fragile diaries, photos and historic documents.  They are currently housed and displayed in a museum building at the rear of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Bentley St, Donnybrook.  Viewing is currently by appointment.  It is hoped that wider public access will be available in future if the  Shire of Donnybrook Balingup is successful in obtaining funding for a new purpose-built museum.  This museum would be co-located with the Donnybrook Telecentre in the Railway Heritage Precinct, near the Visitors Centre.

Who can join?

New members with an interest in history and heritage are very welcome.  Individual, Family and Corporate membership is available.  Currently Individual and Family membership is $20 p.a.

When and where do we meet?

The Society meets every third Thursday of the month.  Currently we are meeting in the Donnybrook Ambulance Hall from 7.30pm. Second Sunday in February, April, June -AGM, August, October, December 1.30 PM at the Museum

Contact Details:

The Secretary   Kerrie Downes 897318264   or 0409682615 

dbkhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
P O Box 113 Donnybrook WA 6239

Chairperson: Steve Dilley  0428316321
Vice Chairs: Brian Sutton   0897311374
                     Shaun Nelson 0447018983