Early History of Boat Building in Albany

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a visual and historical journey through Albany’s maritime heritage. 

Thoughtfully curated across four gallery spaces, the exhibition reveals both the technical mastery and the human stories that underpin the region’s boatbuilding tradition. Including striking black-and-white photographs, capturing the people, places, and practices central to early wooden boat construction. These are complemented by a selection of colour artworks and paintings, adding depth, texture, and artistic interpretation to the historical narrative.

Two finely detailed ship models provide insight into traditional vessel design, showcasing the precision of early boatbuilders. A dedicated reading and reference display further enriches the experience, presenting a curated collection of books on Albany’s maritime history, offering visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the stories behind the exhibition.

Together, these elements create a multi-layered exhibition that honours both the tangible craft of boat building and the enduring stories of the people who shaped Albany’s maritime identity.

Curators walk through 

For those with a deeper interest in maritime history, a dedicated curator-led walkthrough will be held weekly. These guided sessions take place every Wednesday morning at 11:00am in the Pop-Up Galleries at the Museum of the Great Southern.

Led by the exhibition curator, these walkthroughs provide a more in-depth exploration of the material on display, drawing connections between historic photographs, detailed ship models, and the early maritime history of Albany. Visitors will gain a richer understanding of the stories, craftsmanship, and people captured within the collection.