Broome Historical Museum

Welcome to the Broome Historical Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the extraordinary tapestry of history that defines this remote corner of Western Australia. Housed in three historic…

The museum's main entrance is located in one of Broome's oldest surviving buildings, a former general store dating back to the 1890s. This structure is a classic example of early 'Broome Style' architecture, built with corrugated…

One of the museum's most compelling and iconic exhibits is the display of hard-hat diving equipment. For decades, Japanese, Malay, and Filipino divers descended into the depths of the Indian Ocean wearing these cumbersome suits…

A significant section of the museum is dedicated to the events of March 3, 1942, when Broome was attacked by Japanese Zeros. At the time, the harbor was filled with flying boats carrying refugees from the Netherlands East Indies. …

Broome's history is filled with stories of adventure and intrigue, none more captivating than the legend of the missing diamonds. Following the 1942 air raid, a package of diamonds worth a fortune was reportedly lost when a Dutch…

While much of the museum focuses on the post-settlement era, it also houses a significant collection of Aboriginal artifacts and information on the Yawuru people, the traditional owners of the land. This includes tools, artwork,…

The Broome Historical Museum is part of a larger heritage precinct that includes several other significant buildings and sites. Walking through the museum grounds, you can see how the different structures were used and adapted…

As we conclude our exploration of the Broome Historical Museum, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken. From the early days of the 1890s general store to the harrowing accounts of…