Bridgetown Police Station Museum Overview

Bridgetown Police Station Museum

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A South West highlight - compelling insight into local history

Bridgetown Historical Society curates the museum within the original Bridgetown Police Station and Lockup 1880. The graffitied cell walls and the well-worn floorboards of this 1880 building speak of the many people that have spent time here, either as police or as prisoners. The early settlement was called ‘Geegelup’, taken from the Pibulmun/Wadandi people’s term for the freshwater crustaceans in the local brook (now known as gilgies). In 1868 the town was proclaimed as Bridgetown. The Aboriginal history is not lost, however, in fact it is incorporated as an important part of the story of this building and the district. In recent years, the Historical Society has consulted with local Elders to develop the current displays. Changing exhibitions draw on the extensive photographic collection of more than 1500 items.

Visit website

Address:

148 Hampton St
Bridgetown WA 6255
Australia

Tel:

0487 592 704

Email:

bridgetownhistory@iinet.net.au

Opening Hours

Sat 10am - 1pm; Other times on request.

Suitcase Stories

The story of arrival is told through this display of suitcases. Each case tells a different story: a Group Settler’s wooden trunk from 1925; a leather trunk of a family of means who created the farm...

Lock Up Chain

Imprisonment was an inhumane experience. Only Aboriginal prisoners were chained to this heavy chain which was anchored through this gap in the wall of the lock-up. Chains were secured to neck braces...

Dog Tag

The Dog Act 1883 required that owners register their dogs with their local Road Board. This rare metal dog tag was issued by the Nelson Road Board in 1907. This was the name of the district which was...

Busselton Museum

Take a step back in time

The Busselton Museum is the home of the Busselton Historical Society and its wide-ranging collection, cared for by a large team of volunteers. The factory building has been joined on this site by...

Kojonup Historical Society

The Redcoats settle near kojocup (local spring)

The Military Barracks is the oldest building in Kojonup, and now houses a museum. The Barracks were constructed in 1845 by the British ‘redcoats’ of the 51st Regiment, after they settled near kojocup...

Roelands Village

We've been there, left and returned to Seven Hills

The rolling hills create a picturesque drive along Seven Hills Road, following the Collie River as it snakes along the valley. At the end of the road is the entrance to Roelands Village, a place of...

City of Albany Art Collection

Albany's natural beauty attracts many creative people who are inspired by the local environment. Claude Hotchin, the arts patron who donated artworks to various local governments throughout Western...