Discover the treasures of two local shipwrecks in a special display at the Wanneroo Regional Museum.
The Museum currently has more than 20 objects on loan from the Western Australia Museum’s Department of Maritime Archaeology, from the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon), wrecked in 1656, and the Eglinton (1852).
Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said both ships are a significant part of Wanneroo’s coastal history and heritage.
“Many objects were able to be salvaged from the Eglinton from our very own coastline, and the search party for survivors from the Vergulde Draeck first landed in Wanneroo, a moment commemorated at Leeman’s Landing in Two Rocks,” Mayor Roberts said. “It really is amazing to see these historic items, the oldest being at least 356 years old.
“The loan from the WA Museum really ads to our Museum’s existing display on shipwrecks and our coastline.”
Some of the objects on display include bar shot cannonballs, Rheinish clay jugs, long stemmed clay pipes and solid silver Spanish American reales (coins) from the Vergulde Draeck.
From the Eglinton you can see domestic items that were destined for the Swan River Colony such as crockery, ceramic jugs, a water filter and glassware.
Alec Coles, Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Museum said the loan was part of a state-wide initiative where parts of the collection are made available to local communities both in the metropolitan area and regional areas.
“Western Australia has a long and intriguing history of shipwrecks off its rugged coastline, of which the Vergulde Draeck and Eglinton in the 17th and 19th centuries respectively are just part of the story,” Mr Coles said. “The Western Australia Museum is delighted to be able to assist the City of Wanneroo in telling these stories.”
The shipwreck items are on display until May.
Wanneroo Regional Museum is open Sunday to Friday. Call 9405 5920 for opening hours or for more information.