Visitors offered new glimpse into Princess Royal Fortress’ history in new exhibition

A new permanent exhibition has launched at Princess Royal Fortress in stage two of its refresh.

The Hidden Stories of the Fortress focuses on the evolution of weaponry during the fortress’ six decades in operation from 1893 to 1956.

Princess Royal Fortress curator David Theodore said he was excited to share the project with the community.

“The Hidden Stories of the Fortress is the latest chapter in our ongoing efforts to present the rich history of Albany’s Princess Royal Fortress to visitors,” he said.

“By completing stage two of the refresh, we have been able to bring out an additional 200 objects for display, some of which have never been seen by the public.

“It is a truly exciting time to visit the Princess Royal Fortress.”

The exhibition, located in the Barracks Rear Gallery, includes a range of equipment including a depression range finder, a heliograph and the nine-pounder rifled-muzzle loader gun.

Visitors will get a hands-on experience, tapping out messages in Morse code and learning about camouflage techniques that developed in response to the threat of aerial bombardment during WWII.

“We have also sourced a replica Lewis machine gun to demonstrate the potential threat from above,” Mr Theodore said.

“These were positioned after the attack on Darwin on 19 February 1942, making the threat to Albany all too real.”

The refresh was supported by a Federal Government Saluting Their Service grant.