I n 1908 the New Norcia Benedictine Community established a small mission at a remote location on Drysdale River in the Kimberley.  The Mission was operated by a team of monks and nuns up until 1981 when the Kalumburu Aboriginal community took over its own operations.  The Benedictines continue their links with Kalumburu through the work of the parish priest and three sisters who work with the community.

In 1932 the outside world intruded on mission life after two German airmen became lost.  The story of the two aviators and their rescue by the people of Kalumburu is intimately linked with this harmonium on display in New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery.