The first meeting of the Broome Historical Society was called by Mrs Jean Haynes (nee Kennedy) who was elected president from 1975 to 1987. Meeting attendees expressed concern for the number of historical objects being removed from Broome or discarded. The Society hoped their presence would preserve and protect items that belonged in Broome.
Broome Historical Society’s first display was held during the Shinju Matsuri Festival in 1975 and by 1977 the collection had grown to require a display space. The Old Lockup in Chinatown was offered and the Society began operating a Museum. This small space was quickly outgrown and in 1980 the Old Custom’s House became available. The Broome Historical Museum was officially opened in August 1981.
Since then the Broome Historical Society collection has now grown to spread over three buildings in the Heritage Precinct, including the historic Sailmaker’s Shed, which was awarded a WA Heritage Award and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Commendation in 2013.
The Broome Historical Society is a not-for-profit, organisation run by volunteers. Donations (both objects and financial) are tax deductable.
BHS Committee 2024
President
Veronica Jackson-Smith
Vice President
Elaine Rabbitt
Treasurer
Linda Breene
Minutes Secretary
Michael Lake
Meetings are held the second Monday of the month. Please contact BHS or fill out our volunteer form if you are interested in joining us.