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:

info@bridgetownhistoricalsociety.org.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...

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...

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...

Pemberton Pioneer Museum

Originally known as Big Brook, the town of Pemberton began as the site of a saw-mill built in 1912. This Museum tells the history of the timber industry in the local forests through its interesting...

Busselton Jetty Museum

The story of the many lives of the unmistakable Busselton Jetty is well told in this small, focussed museum accessible through the Jetty’s Visitor Centre. Follow the stages of the Jetty’s construction...

King Cottage Museum Bunbury

The lawns and colourful gardens which surround this historic cottage make this an oasis within a busy suburban streetscape. Entering King Cottage across the shady verandah, take a moment to shed the...

Margaret River Library

Surrounded by bird-filled native gardens the Library building is a hub of information and ideas. Amongst the book shelves is a collection of materials on grape growing and winery operations, sources...