The Western Australian Museum and the National Trust of Australia (WA) have successfully negotiated the transfer of the historic home of Fremantle’s longest serving Mayor, Sir Frederick Samson.

WA Museum Chief Executive Officer Alec Coles said he was delighted that Samson House was now in the care of the Trust.

“There are many benefits for Sir Frederick’s former home by placing it with the National Trust of Australia (WA) whose core business is the conservation and interpretation of historic properties,” Mr Coles said.

The Trust will hold the property on the same terms that it was held by the Museum, and maintain Samson House as an historic house museum.

National Trust of Australia (WA) Chief Executive Officer Tom Perrigo said, there was absolutely no doubt Samson House was one of the most significant heritage places in Western Australia. Its intact collection of artefacts, which is directly associated with the place makes it rare amongst historic houses in Australia.

“There are significant challenges facing the Trust in its conservation and interpretation and we are looking forward to working with all levels of government, the community and the corporate sector to address these challenges,” Mr Perrigo said.

“The Western Australian Museum is to be congratulated for its efforts over a very long period to save Samson House,” he said.

Sir Frederick joined the Fremantle City Council in 1936. He was elected mayor unopposed in 1951 and remained unchallenged in that office until he retired 21 years later in 1972. In the early 1950s he oversaw construction of the O'Connor industrial estate, intended to provide work and housing for returned servicemen.

From 1958 onwards he campaigned to save the convict-built Fremantle lunatic asylum, which was transformed into a museum and arts centre by 1970. As a member of the Cultural Development Council, he ensured that other neglected historic buildings were restored for public use.

A shrewd businessman, he had helped to form the Home Building Society in 1946 and while chairman (1951-74), he saw its assets increase to $70 million.

In 1962 he was knighted and he died on 6 February 1974 in Fremantle Hospital and his home and its contents were bequeathed to the Trustees of the Western Australian Museum. The Perth suburb of Samson is named after him.

Samson House was built for Sir Frederick’s father, Michael Samson, who was also Lord Mayor of Fremantle. The house, which is a well-known Fremantle landmark, was completed in 1888, and was designed by Sir Talbot Hobbs.

Other historic properties in the Trust’s care include Old Farm, Strawberry Hill in Albany, Ellensbrook in the South West, as well as Tranby (Peninsula Farm) and Woodbridge in Perth. The Trust also looks after buildings such as the Artillery Drill Hall Fremantle that houses one of WA’s best known music venues, The Fly by Night Musicians Club.

For further information on the work of the National Trust of Australia WA, visit www.ntwa.com.au.
 

National Trust of Australia (WA) CEO Tom Perrigo on 9321 6088 or 0408 945 374
Western Australian Museum: Caroline Lacy on 0892123860