Invitations open to take part in archaeological works set to uncover layers of Albany’s port history

Community members have an opportunity to take part in archaeological digs at the Pilot Station with Southern Ports this month.

The digs will be held between January 23 and 25, giving participants a chance to uncover Albany’s maritime history over the past 200 years.

The five digs will take up to two-and-a-half hours, which will be co-ordinated across the three days by the University of Notre Dame’s archaeology department.

The Pilot Station has a long history in the Albany region as it used to house Port of Albany marine pilots from as early as 1853 through to 1936.

The station’s importance to WA’s first port town was recognised in 2002 when it was included on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said the digs would enable the community to learn more about the Pilot Station ahead of the revitalisation of the site later in the year.

“As part of revitalising this historic site for community use, we will be telling its story and the story of the Port of Albany, so what is found during this dig will help us do that,” he said.

Past digs in the area have uncovered items such as a brass military button, a child’s doll and pieces of pottery.

“The Pilot Station site was a hive of activity at different points in our history, so we are confident there are still plenty of artefacts to find,” Mr Wilks said.

Notre Dame University senior lecturer of archaeology Dr Shane Burke will be leading the digs.

He said it would give people a deeper understanding of the history of this area.

“We know the historical record of the site’s general use, but history does not describe all functions or small details about people’s lives,” he said.

“The community excavation will discover artefacts that will give a richer understanding of the area’s use.

“Involving the community in these digs can really add to the sense of ownership people have for an area’s history and I’m sure that will be the case here.”

Later this year the heritage-listed Pilot Crew Quarters in the precinct will be revitalised with improvements, with a playground, landscaping, bike facilities and other amenities added to the area.

Places are limited and tickets can be booked online via the Southern Ports website.