Join us on 8th September 2025 for the next in our series of History Matters talks. Guest Speaker James Cassidy, PHD candidate and successful teacher will present aspects of the opening decades of the Swan River Colony.
His talk ‘The Many and the Few 1829-1839’covers the disparity between the landed class and employers and those without financial resources including the Whadjuk people. The pattern of rural settlements and influence of lobbyists reflect the competition for resources. James will offer further examples of adaptation to land tenure in its colonial context.
LOCATION: St. Matthews Anglican Church Hall, Stirling Square Guildford
TIME: 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
A light supper will be served at the conclusion of the talk. All welcome.
Swan Guildford Historical Society
Swan Guildford Historical Society
Swan Guildford Historical Society is a not-for-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Guildford and the Swan region.
Tours
Come on a guided tour to hear stories about law and order in Guildford. The perfect day out for the family, our tour includes the Colonial Gaol, Taylor’s Cottage, the prison exercise yard and lastly the Wash House.
Donated art deco cigarette lighter
Donate
Swan Guildford Historical Society collects objects that are linked to key moments, people and places, showcasing the history of Guildford and the Swan Valley.
We appreciate offers to donate items that fit the following criteria:
- Does the item have a link to Guildford and surrounding areas?
- Does it fill a gap in the museum collection?
- What is known about the history of the item?
- How did the object come to be in the donor’s possession?
- Is the item already represented in the collection?
- Is it in a good or stable condition?
- Does the Society have the resources to store the item properly?
Our headquarters: Judy Hamersley House
About
Swan Guildford Historical Society was founded in 1962 thanks to the foresight of Judy Hamersley, granddaughter of pioneers Charles and Fanny Harper of Woodbridge.
Judy understood the importance of the area, firstly to Aboriginal people who had met in the area for generations, in the area they know as Mandoon. With the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829, Guildford became a market town and a transport hub, the agricultural cradle of the new settlement.
Judy’s mission was to gather artefacts for a museum and record the history of the area for current and future generations. Today Guildford is a recognised historic town, classified by the National Trust, and the Swan Valley is one of Western Australia’s most visited tourism destinations.
From these early beginnings, the Society’s museum collection has grown to be a must see attraction. We display items from our collections in the Colonial Gaol and in Taylor’s Cottage. A display of farming machinery and a blacksmith’s forge are located in the Gaol’s exercise yard.
Upcoming Events
Monthly History Talk | 8 September 2025
Gallery
Newsletter
Sign up to our online newsletter mailing list to receive the latest newsletters from Swan Guildford Historical Society, direct to your email.
Contact Us
If you wish to reach out to us, please fill out our contact form or use our contact details below.
Opening Hours
Tours:
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Time:
10AM to 2PM
Last tour commences at 1.30pm
Address: