Irwin District Historical Society Inc.
Irwin District Museum and Research Centre

WELCOME TO IDHS

The IDHS was founded in 1964 and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Irwin District of Western Australia through our research office and museums located at the Old Police Station and Russ Cottage.

The Society is not for profit organisation entirely staffed by volunteers.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Research Centre, staff are available to personally assist with your inquiries on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9am and 12noon. Mail and e-mail inquires are welcome.

Please feel free to browse our genealogy listings or visit the museum pages and read our history texts. See use theContact Page to send feedback or request information.

Why We Do What We Do

Irwin District Historical Society manages two museums in Dongara - Old Police Station Museum and Russ Cottage. The Society is also the custodian of approximately 3000 objects and 3200 photographs. Many people who have Midwest blood in their veins visit the Society to seek family history and information.

The Old Police Station Museum has won several awards for its professionalism and best practice. It is a wonderful tourist attraction in the town, drawing many overseas visitors who leave very positive comments in the Visitors Book.

While this community museum collection may not contain a single item of earth shattering importance, through the collection it has the ability to demonstrate one or more aspects of the community's development and existence as part of the national history - involving many local stories threaded into a larger narrative of collective development.

The purpose of a museum and its collection reflects the sense of place and importance of a community to its continuing members and successors - uncovering that past, illuminating its present and challenging the community's future. The collection proclaims the values of its community locally, nationally and internationally.

The museum's collection represents the significant stories and interests of its diverse and changing community. This principle is supported by five standards with defining benchmarks:
  • The museum develops its collection to reflect its unique purpose and the significant stories and interests of its diverse and changing community
  • The museum knows the significance of its collection
  • The museum aims to have unconditional ownership of its collection
  • The museum has an effective system to record and retrieve information about its collection
  • The museum makes its collection accessible in digital forums and in online environments, as resources permit.
The volunteers at IDHS spend many hours assessing various objects, identifying photographs and recording information. Of particular interest at this time of year is the extensive photographic collection of Dongara men who enlisted for service in World War One. Considerable research has been undertaken to build more than a photo of some of these men - where they lived, who their parents and family were, any living descendants still in the area. Using its database and other sources sufficient information has been assembled to present an exhibit, in the banking chamber of the National Australia Bank during the Anzac commemorations. Watch for it as you walk down Moreton Terrace, under the shade of the wonderful trees, planted in 1906 by some far sighted councillors.

If you have not visited your museum for a while, pop in and say hello to the friendly folk who keep the doors open.