The Residency Museum is located in one of the principal heritage areas of York. The museum was originally part of the York Convict Hiring Depot complex in the 1850s and 1860s.

The building was the living quarters for the Depot Superintendent. By 1877 it had been enlarged to become the home of the Resident Magistrate, Walkinshaw Cowan. It remained the Residency for subsequent Magistrates until 1909.

The Residency Museum was opened in 1973 after a campaign by The York Society to save the building from demolition and to raise funds for its preservation. A total of $10,000 was raised over a period of three years.

As one of York's earliest dwellings it is a fitting venue for presenting the large collection of artefacts connected with the history of York. Discover convicts, ceramics and Chinese market gardeners - just a few of the fascinating themes revealed in the rich variety of displays. Hands-on family activities, toilets, refreshments and a public research area are also provided.

The Residency Museum was the first country museum in the State to be recognised by the Museum of Western Australia. The museum is now vested in the Shire of York and is administered by the Residency Museum Management Committee.

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