Published on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at 4:11:18 PM
The Yilgarn History Museum was officially opened 3rd August 1979. In attendance was the Governor of Western Australia, His Excellency, Sir Wallace Kyle and his wife, the Shire President, Mr Ken Beaton and other distinguished guests and approximately 600 well-wishers.
Mrs Erna L Forrester was the main driving force behind the establishment of the Southern Cross Historical Society. It was her vision that encouraged many people to help her see it come to fruition.
The Courthouse and Mining Registrar Offices was built in 1892 and completed before the first case was heard in March 1893.
By the 1970’s it was decided that the structure would be demolished and a new Courthouse and Registrar Office be erected on the site.
This did not go over well with members of the newly formed Historical Society.
The Southern Cross Historical Society was established in July 1971. A petition, bearing hundreds of names, was put forward in 1973 to have the building preserved for the purpose of a museum once it was vacated. A public meeting called in 1976 by the Shire, resolved that the building be used as a museum and administered by the Southern Cross Historical Society.
Mrs Forrester and her passionate society which included curators, Mr Harry and Mrs Laurel Blythe and Works Co-ordinator, Mr Doug Davey and his co-worker Mr Bert Roberts worked diligently over the following three years to restore the building and many items donated to the Society for display.
Many other passionate volunteers helped where they could to create the amazing Museum that thousands have been able to enjoy now for nearly 50 years.
Special mention must be made to the late Author, P.T McMahon and family who donated, by bequest, more than 1200 copies of his book, “They Wished Upon a Star” to the society to sell and keep the profits from. It was a great benefit financially to the group.
Another special mention goes to local artist, Vic Felstead who donated the amazing murals displayed in the Courthouse that so ably tell the story of the district.
The Museum is now run by the Shire of Yilgarn with the help of wonderful volunteers and Shire staff.
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