Recovered Tales from the wreckage of the Georgette

“There is something about this morning – a quiet in the hills, a shiver in the air – something that prickles the nose of the stockman’s horse … ”

Shortly after midnight on 1 December 1876, the SS Georgette, bound for Adelaide from Fremantle, developed a leak. By early morning, the ill-fated steamship had run aground in Calgardup Bay where it was spotted by Aboriginal stockman, Sam Isaacs. This exhibition explores the story of the sinking of the SS Georgette.

It features Sonia Martinez’s artwork and draft materials from Michelle Gillespie’s award-winning picture book Sam, Grace and the Shipwreck (Fremantle Press, 2011) along with heritage items from the State Library’s collection to piece together various versions of this Western Australian event. Curated for children (ages 7+) and families, this exhibition is supported by a self-guided educational trail.