Closure of Fremantle History Museum

The History Council of Western Australia was aghast to hear of the closure on 31 July 2009 of one of the most popular and well patronised visitor sites in Fremantle - the Fremantle History Museum.

The Fremantle History Museum provided a unique visitor experience. It told the story of the early settlement of the colony through its display entitled “The Foundations of Fremantle”. Where else could the people of Western Australia and the many tourists who flock to Fremantle learn about the early settlement of Western Australia? Dianne Davidson, President of the Fremantle History Society mourns the fact that the closure of the Fremantle History Museums means there is “… nowhere to catch a glimpse of where we have come from or to provide us with a sense of place. We

will no longer be able to show our future generations how their forebears lived, dressed, worked and played, or how they saw their world.”

Another display that highlighted the importance of Fremantle and the rich cultural diversity of the port city was “A New Australia” the display on post war immigration to WA. The museum was extremely popular with school groups and in fact, was experiencing increased visitor numbers across the board.

The History Council issued a media release on 6 August that was despatched to various media (print, radio and television) and copies sent to Hon. John Day BSc BDSc MLA, Minister for Culture and the Arts and John Hyde MLA, Member for Perth and Shadow Minister for Culture and the Arts.

If individuals and/or groups would also like to express their disappointment at these cuts and closures then please write to: Hon. John Day BSc BDSc MLA, Minister for Culture and the Arts, 13th Floor, Dumas House, 2 Havelock Street, West Perth 6005.

History Coucil Media Release