Settler’s descendant seeks family traces

A member of the Criddle family based in Melbourne is planning a series of creative works and a performance inspired by Geraldton and Greenough history.

“I am looking at family and ancestry as a subject,” Georgina Criddle said.

Ms Criddle, who grew up in Perth, has just concluded a 10-day visit where she was based at the former Maley Cottage which is now the Greenough Museum.

She said her great-great aunt Mary Criddle was believed to have been the Maley family’s maid before she died at the age of 21.

The former maid’s room is now the guest room where Ms Criddle slept during her visit.

She said her family were among WA’s earliest settlers, as her ancestor William Criddle came to the Swan River Colony in 1829 as an indentured servant.

After a year had passed he was freed from his indenture when his master abandoned a pastoral project.

“I’m interested in stories that have been passed down and also objects and photos and anything that people want to share about that time,” Ms Criddle said.

“I am not making a museum display.

“I will be making a performance, text-based work and sculptures in response to the material I find about the family.

“I am also interested in the relationship between the settlers and the Yamaji community.”

Ms Criddle is keen to hear from anyone who has stories about her family, documents or artefacts.

She can be contacted at georgina.criddle@gmail.com.