Armadale’s much-loved museum, History House, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday 18th April.
As part of an Open Day event, several notable local figures will attend the commemoration, which will run from 11am to 3pm.
Additionally, there will be a whole range of fun activities for attendees of all ages to take part in, including some old-time games, exploring Armadale’s first schoolhouse and 1903 Chapel and even a treasure hunt.
Looking back on the establishment’s foundation and earlier years, it is fair to say it has quite the history itself.
History House was established in response to a growing concern in the 1960s that Armadale’s local history was being lost as the area rapidly changed. At the time, older buildings were being demolished and familiar streetscapes were disappearing, prompting strong community interest in preserving the district’s story.
In 1968, a public meeting led by Councillor Ivor Birtwistle and former Shire President Cyril Rushton brought together residents who shared this concern. From that meeting, the Armadale–Kelmscott Historical Society was formed, and members began collecting objects, recording memories and documenting the area’s history.
Following a significant community fundraising effort, construction of the museum began in 1975 and was completed in early 1976.
History House was officially opened on 25th April 1976 by Sir Paul Hasluck, with around 600 people attending.
The museum has since grown into a significant local collection, covering the history of the Armadale district and surrounding areas. It tells stories of early settlement, community life, migration, industry and major local events, alongside much older histories, including Aboriginal use of the land dating back thousands of years. The collection itself is made up of deeply personal and locally significant items.
These range from early household objects such as a 1903 Metters “Little Dorrit” iron stove from the Brookside homestead to a wedding dress worn during World War II, and a melted mixing bowl recovered from the 2011 Roleystone bushfires. There are also items that reflect the area’s migrant history, such as a kerosene stove brought to Armadale from the Netherlands in 1949, and an Ethiopian coffee pot used in traditional ceremonies, reflecting Armadale’s distinctly multicultural flavour.
Together, these objects help tell the everyday stories that have shaped the community throughout its long life. To mark the 50-year milestone, a new exhibition titled History House: 50 years 1976–2026 explores the history of the museum itself. It highlights the people who established it, the volunteers who sustained it over many decades, and its evolution over time, including the City of Armadale taking on management in the early 2000s to ensure its long-term future.
Mayor Ruth Butterfield said the anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate both the establishment of the museum, it’s collection and the people behind it.
“History House exists because of people who cared deeply about this community and wanted a home for the growing collection of items which now bring history to life.
“Today, these treasured objects, and the stories that accompany them, give us a fascinating insight into life in Armadale over the years.
“For 50 years, that care has been carried forward by volunteers, the Historical Society and now the city, and it’s something we’re very proud to continue,” she said.
The anniversary celebration is open to the whole community, with a strong focus on welcoming those who have been part of the museum’s journey over the years. This includes former volunteers and staff, contributors, donors and visitors, as well as those discovering the museum for the first time.
Ms Butterfield said museums play an important role in helping communities understand what life was like and how things have changed.
“Museums collect the objects that help to tell the stories about who we are and then share those stories with not only the local community but also the wider world.
“History House allows visitors to understand how our experience fits into the broader state, national and global experience. It’s important that as the city grows and changes, the museum continues to reflect that change.
“As Armadale changes, it’s important we keep hold of the stories that shaped who we are as a community,” she said.
