The Betty Brown Historical Centre located in the Wheatbelt town of Darkan is a museum dedicated to the changing role of women in West Arthur, a rural farming community. Women were integral to the establishment and development of agriculture communities throughout Australia, including West Arthur.
The Centre has been established in accordance with the bequest bestowed upon the Shire of West Arthur by Ms Betty Brown who requested the facility preserve the wool trophies, needlework and memorabilia of the Brown family, and that it house historical relics and items of the district particularly in relation to the sheep industry.
The collections tell the stories of women in small rural communities and the contributions they made to developing the community into what we see today. Eight significant women are featured in the exhibits, all of whom have made significant contributions to the community of West Arthur.
Entry is by gold coin donation through the West Arthur Community and Resource Centre. A free audio guide is available as a download from izi.travel for those wanting to add more to the experience.
The Shire of West Arthur Betty Brown Historical Centre wins National Award
The newly opened Betty Brown Historical Centre in the Wheatbelt town of Darkan is pleased to announce that the Centre has won the 2020 Australian Museums and Art Galleries National Award for Permanent Exhibition or Gallery Fitout (Level 2: Project budget $20,000-$150,000). The awards were announced on October 28th via a Zoom link up in lieu of the normal presentations which occur at the National AMAGA Conference.
The Centre was developed as a result of the vision of local farmer, Betty Brown, who bequeathed some money to the Shire to establish a Museum. The themes in the Centre take inspiration from Betty, and celebrate the role that women have played in the development of rural communities.
The stunning fit-out was designed and developed in collaboration with the team at Creative Spaces and has resulted in a modern and beautiful tribute to the women of the district and rural communities in Western Australia. The judge's citation reads "The approach of this museum has been considered and aligned to best museum practice. It is a place that is aware of learning styles, display methodology and aesthetics of a high standard. It is also obvious that it strives to build on their experience and knowledge to develop their Centre within their budgetary constraints."
Visiting Darkan?
Download a Shire of West Arthur tourist guide, which includes tourist information for Darkan, Arthur River and Duranillin.
Or visit www.westarthur.wa.gov.au to download location maps and heritage trail guides.
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Closed Saturday and Sunday