Fremantle History Centre opens

The recently relocated Fremantle History Centre is now open to the public as a dedicated space for history research and events.

Nine hundred boxes of photographs, reports, oral histories, maps and books have been brought out of storage and are now housed in the room on the ground floor of the Walyalup Civic Centre.

The fit out included new shelving, research desks, a scanning and copying station and display areas.

The Centre operates on a request basis, with customers able to submit their enquiries in person or via an online form.

Last year the History Centre had 1,563 enquiries.

The Centre is open to the public on weekdays from 9am to 1pm and by appointment on those days from 1pm to 4pm.

Afternoons are dedicated to the digitisation of the collection by volunteers from the Friends of the Fremantle History Centre group.

Residents from local history interest groups are also trained to contribute to the City's collection by writing topical histories, taking photos, and conducting oral history interviews.

The Centre is part of the Fremantle Library, which provides lifelong learning services to the residents of the City of Fremantle and the Town of East Fremantle. 

Demand for these services has increased by 3% compared to the same time frame a year ago, with 119,473 visitors to the Library in the past six months.

The History Centre was officially opened by Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge on 18 April 2024 and was attended by Councillors, local historians, researchers and past librarians.

To browse the list of resources or make an information request visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/fremantle-history-centre

Image: First visitors to the Fremantle History Centre