Museums of History NSW

Since 1823 the Equity Jurisdiction has dealt with matters of fairness and the enforcing of rights not recognised under common law. It included the guardianship of children and their property, while also covering a wide range of subject matters including administration of estates, dissolution of partnerships, foreclosure of mortgages, ex*****on of private or charitable trusts, and commercial and protective matters.

Join our free 'Equitable Relief' webinar as we explore the records of the Equity Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in the State Archives Collection. Learn how to find them, and what they can tell us.

Friday 30 August 10.30am–11.30am
This is a free webinar
Registration required - https://ow.ly/iGNF50SY8Ce

To celebrate National Family History Month our experts travelled to Yass yesterday for Collections on Tour - Wages Paid to the Irish Orphans, 1849–51 to share stories about some of the 4,100 young Irish women who came to Australia between 1848 and 1850 as part of Earl Grey’s Famine Orphan Scheme. Recruited from workhouses in Ireland, the women became an integral part of the workforce in their adopted country.

We were hosted by the Yass & District Historical Society Inc and joined by his Excellency Tim Mawe, Irish Ambassador to Australia and his wife Ms Patricia McCarthy, together with Cheryl Mongan, President Yass & District Historical Society; MHNSW CEO Mary Darwell and MHNSW A/Director, Collections Fiona Sullivan.

The register of wages paid to orphans from 1849–1851 is a key source in researching the stories of many Irish girls and women who arrived in NSW under the scheme.

A sell-out crowd took the opportunity to view the original register from the State Archives Collection.

Thanks to everyone who joined us this week in Yass and Goulburn. We look forward to the Central Coast presentation next Wednesday.

Learn more
https://mhnsw.au/collections-on-tour/

1. L-R: Cheryl Mongan, Fiona Sullivan, Mary Darwell, his Excellency Tim Mawe and Ms Patricia McCarthy
2. L-R: His Excellency Tim Mawe and Mary Darwell
3 & 5. Orphan Account book
4. Register of Wages Paid to Orphans
Photos Joanna Nicholas © MHNSW.

Have you heard the news? 📰 We are delighted to announce that the exhibition 'Coomaditchie: The Art of Place' at will be extended until Sunday 2 February 2025.

Experience community life by the ocean through the works of First Nations artists. The loving and lyrical artworks featured in this exhibition, which include paintings, ceramics and screen-prints, speak of life in and around the settlement of Coomaditchie in the Illawarra region of NSW.

Free entry, find out more 👉
mhnsw.au/whats-on/exhibitions/coomaditchie-the-art-of-place/
Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation Wollongong Art Gallery

Start your next visit to Rouse Hill Estate at the newly refurbished visitor centre. Discover the richly layered history of the site, on Dharug Country, and learn about the six generations of one family who called this place home over 180 years.

Each generation has added another layer of belongings, improvements and memories, and today, every object and addition, every tear, stain and repair, has a story to tell. Take an interactive virtual walkthrough of the house and explore intriguing items from the extraordinary collection of possessions accumulated by the family.

Open Sunday, 10am–4pm
Plan your visit: mhnsw.au/visit-us/rouse-hill-estate

Entries are now open for the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2024, with a total prize pool valued at more than $11,500.

This is a regional, non-acquisitive competition and exhibition. The prize is open to a work in any medium made by a woman aged 18 years or over who is a resident of NSW. Entries close Tuesday 24 September 2024.

The prize is supported by Museums of History NSW, Bundanon and Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Nowra

Find out more at mhnsw.au/meroogal-womens-art-prize/

1. 'Our manifold nature: loutrophoros for the new woman', Ebony Russell, terracotta.
2. 'The four sisters', Rebecca Trajkovski, acrylic on linen canvas.
3. ‘Ms Georgie’s lovely wheaten bouquet with white blossoms’, Jo Mellor, linen, hand embroidery, glass beads, lace.
Photos © Joshua Morris for MHNSW.

Scale the steps into the St Mary’s Cathedral bell tower and learn how the bells are rung.

As part of our Sydney Open Series, you will be led by the St Mary’s Cathedral guides through areas that are usually not accessible to the public. Climb the tight spiral staircase into the belfry and tower to take in spectacular views and learn about the art of bellringing.

St Mary’s Cathedral stands on the site of the first Catholic chapel in Australia and is the largest 19th-century ecclesiastical building in the English Gothic architectural style in the world.

This is a free event, but tickets are limited - https://ow.ly/a7V450SUl6Z

Photograph courtesy of Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Join us during History Week 2024 for an insightful journey into 'Marking Moments: Commemorating NSW Across Time'.

Enjoy a fascinating talk as we explore celebratory practices from the colonial era to the present day, drawing upon the rich material held in the State Archives Collection. Discover how our state has marked significant milestones, the role of community in shaping local events, and how anniversaries have shaped our identity and collective memory in NSW.

Explore the Western Sydney Records Centre, and witness the historic Third Charter of Justice up close as we celebrate its 200th anniversary. 📜

State Archives Reading Room
Fri 13 Sept, 10am–12.15pm
Free, book now 🔗
mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/history-week-2024-marking-moments/

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continue, we look back at how Sydney transformed into a global village for the 2000 Games. Sydney 2000 wasn't just about elite athletes; it was a city-wide, nation-wide celebration. The success of the Games hinged on uniting the Australian community, and organisers went to extraordinary lengths to achieve this.

From schools incorporating Olympic values into their curriculum to the 'Welcome the World' project encouraging Australians to embrace visitors from across the globe, the community played a pivotal role.

Read more on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
🔗 mhnsw.au/stories/general/a-look-back-at-the-sydney-2000-olympics

On 8 August 1789, Governor Arthur Phillip established a night-watch, consisting of eight of the best-behaved convicts in the Colony, and in doing so, he created first police force in Australia.

In 1810 Governor Macquarie re-organised the growing force, establishing police districts and ranks. As the Colony expanded and the population grew, a number of specialised forces were established, including the Water Police force, the Native Police corps and the Border Police.

Unification of the Police force did not come about until the Police Regulation Act of 1862. This Act placed the responsibility of the whole Police force into the hands of the Inspector General and it was organised largely along the lines of its present day basis.

Learn more about our first police force - https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/8-august-1789/

Image: A group of uniformed police officers, with the station cat, outside Wagga Wagga police station, c 1878. Justice and Police Museum Collection, MHNSW.

😺Celebrate International Cat Day with this postcard from our collection showing two dapper tabbies enjoying tea, illustrated by well-known cat artist, and one of the most popular commercial illustrators of his day Louis Wain. Wain specialised in depictions of anthropomorphised cats and kittens, and credited this passion to his own pet cat Peter. 😺

💌 This postcard is one of many currently on display in the Caroline Simpson Library and belonged to Vera Bell - an enthusiastic collector of postcards. ‘Come to afternoon “Tea and Scandal” tomorrow’ is written on this postcard sent to Vera by her young friends Viley and Olive. The postcard is undated and bears no stamp, but it must have been delivered around 1904, when Vera was living in Albury, NSW, during her father’s time as police superintendent of the town. She frequently exchanged postcards with friends as it was an inexpensive medium, much like text messages are sent today.

We hold Vera’s vast collection of more than 1,000 postcards as part of the Bell family papers within the Caroline Simpson Collection. Read more mhnsw.au/stories/general/tea-and-scandal/

Image: Annotated postcard, 'Tea and scandal', Louis Wain, C W Faulkner & Co, London, c1904. Bell family papers, Caroline Simpson Library, MHNSW.

Next month join MHNSW Research Curator Dr Paige Gleeson on a tour which explores how Vaucluse House was for much of the 20th century conceptualised and operated as a museum of Australian history and as a site to pay tribute to the memory of influential politician William Charles Wentworth.

Making History from a House: The story of Vaucluse House as a museum
Sunday 8 September, 11am–12pm
Find out more https://mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/making-history-from-a-house-vaucluse-house/

Members get more: Members enjoy a 20% discount on tickets.

Image Caroline Simpson Collection, MHNSW.

As the sun sets see the ‘finest house in the colony’ in a whole new light at our upcoming Elizabeth Bay House from dusk to darkness event. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of its magnificent domed saloon enhanced by candlelight, visit the servants’ quarters, and explore the wine cellars underneath the house. Complete your visit with a glass of wine and some light refreshments in the elegant dining room.

Elizabeth Bay House from dusk to darkness
Friday 6 September, 6pm–8pm
Find out more
mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/elizabeth-bay-house-from-dusk-to-darkness/

Members get more: Members enjoy a 20% discount on tickets.

Photo © James Horan for MHNSW.

Discover the art of rag rug making in a workshop with renowned textile artist Vita Cochran at Elizabeth Farm!

A thrifty technique invented out of basic need in times past, rag rugs are making a comeback as we look for sustainable ways to preserve materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Dive into creativity while exploring how the Macarthurs transformed their house into a home on a guided tour with MHNSW Curator, Dr. Scott Hill.

📍 Elizabeth Farm
🗓️ Sat 17 Aug, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1pm–3pm
Book now via link in bio
mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/making-a-house-a-home-vita-cochran/

Our members will get to explore the stunning exhibition Coomaditchie: The Art of Place with First Nations Curator Tess Allas.

During Member Hour at Museum Sydney, Tess will discuss her own family’s activism in Aboriginal affairs and human and workers rights in the Illawarra and across NSW that fed into the activism of the times more broadly throughout the nation.

Free for members. Book now – https://ow.ly/aoup50SOJmV

Not a member? Find out more about member benefits.

Photo © James Horan for Museums of History NSW

in 1906, Central Railway Station, also referred to as the third Sydney Station opened after several years of construction.

Designed by Government Architect W.L. Vernon, this impressive 15 platform steel-framed and concrete station featured a grand arched roof, covered platforms, and pedestrian subways. The station became a key tram interchange at Railway Square. Remarkably, its sandstone came from the Pyrmont Quarry, and its clocktower, which began construction in 1915, stands 85.6m tall with four clock faces.

🚂 See our link in bio to find out more about the transformation of Central Railway Station.
mhnsw.au/stories/general/central-railway-station/

The Candelabra Aloes are putting on a stunning show at Elizabeth Farm! Named for the distinctive arrangement of their flowers, these spectacular plants shoot up bright orange spikes from a single stem up to 60cm tall, adding a burst of mid-winter cheer to the garden. 🌞

Native to South and Southeast Africa, Aloes come in many forms, with Aloe vera being the most well-known. Our Candelabra Aloes have a special history; they originate from Camden Park, the Macarthur family’s historic home, where they were part of Sir William Macarthur’s extensive botanic collection and nursery. 🌿

Visit Elizabeth Farm to enjoy this vibrant display, open Friday and Saturday, 10am–4pm.

Photos © Dr Scott Hill for MHNSW

In celebration of Green and Gold Day today, we lit up The Mint in green and gold to show our support of our Olympians and Paralympians and to congratulate them on their dedication and achievement ✨

Wishing the best of luck to all Australian athletes participating in the in the weeks ahead!

📚 Join Museums of History NSW and for Book Week 2024 and learn how to create poems that add a little magic to the world!

During this FREE virtual event, students will be introduced to convict love tokens from our collection and prompted to create powerful written messages of their own.

Book Week: Pop-up Poetry
Stages 2 & 3
Thursday 22 August, 2.10pm

Register now at mhnsw.au/learning/book-week-virtual-event-pop-up-poetry/

Experience 'A Winter's Night at Elizabeth Farm'! 🌟 Be treated to a unique behind-the-scenes insight into life in the Macarthur home by candlelight.

Begin the tour with Tony Albert’s thought provoking artwork, 'Healing land, remembering Country', enjoy a hot cuppa and yarn by the campfire before joining the Macarthurs’ house servants to hear about life in Australia’s oldest surviving colonial homestead.

🍷 Join us in the dining room after the tour for canapés, a glass of wine, and wander through the historic house and kitchen.

Saturday 10 August, 6pm–8pm
Book now via link in bio:
mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/a-winters-night-at-elizabeth-farm/

Photo © James Horan for MHNSW

As part of our ongoing digitisation work, we have recently made available online our copy of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ausgeführte Bauten und Entwürfe von Frank Lloyd Wright.

This work, usually referred to as the Wasmuth Portfolio, is regarded as one of the most influential architectural treatises of the 20th century. Printed by Wasmuth in Berlin in 1910, it comprises 100 plates illustrating buildings and projects undertaken by Wright between 1893 and 1909.

Learn more about the Wasmuth Portfolio and our ongoing digitisations work - https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/the-wasmuth-portfolio/

Images: Caroline Simpson Library, Museums of History NSW.

Tomorrow, we host a compelling discussion with Emeritus Professor John Maynard and First Nations Curator Tess Allas as they delve into their families’ roles in Aboriginal activism and worker rights in the Illawarra and across Australia.

First Nations Speaker Series: Coomaditchie
Museum of Sydney
Wednesday, 31 July, 6pm–7pm

This event is free, but booking is essential: 🔗 in our bio - https://ow.ly/X1o550SMLOL

Presented in collaboration with GML Heritage, The University of Sydney, and the Research Centre for Deep History at the Australian National University.

Image: State Archives Collection

The State Archives collection Archives for Everyone project is continuing at a great pace!

Over 14 local and community groups are hard at work transcribing and indexing over 150 Small Debts registers from courts of petty sessions throughout NSW. The registers date from as early as 1846.

The work of digitising and indexing will continue in earnest over the coming months. If you want to get involved, visit our website and submit your expression of interest. mhnsw.au/news/community-partnership-indexing-digitisation-projects/

1. NRS-3148 [1/3376] Small debts registers [Molong Court of Petty Sessions] - Cover; 2. NRS-3199 [4/6590] - Small debts registers [Murrurundi Court of Petty Sessions] -17th July 1849

On 28 July 1923, construction began on Sydney’s greatest icon, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Two workshops were set up in Milson’s Point where the fabrications of steel girders began. South of Sydney in Moruya, 250 families lived in temporary settlements to mine the granite for the bridge pylons.

Construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge continued for 7 years when the two arches met at the centre of the span on 19 August 1930 at 10pm.

Browse the complete series Sydney Harbour Bridge photographic albums – https://ow.ly/aHUE50SKBF3

Image: State Archives Collection, Museums of History NSW. NRS-12685-1-[4/8722]-4-8722-114

Visit the Museum of Sydney to view a trio of outstanding, thought provoking exhibits by First Nations artists.

View a range of lyrical, colourful and playful artworks including ceramics, paintings, screen prints, video installations and multi-faceted pieces, offering personal perspectives and comment on Country that is significant to each artist.

'Coomaditchie: The Art of Place'
Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation


'Ngaya (I am)'
Peter Waples-Crowe


'Cast in cast out'
Dennis Golding


Learn more and plan your visit 🔗
mhnsw.au/whats-on/

📸: 1. 'The first three decades' (detail), Coomaditchie artists and community members, 2022. Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation. Photo © Bernie Fischer. Artwork © the artists; Photo © James Horan for MHNSW

As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games we take a look back at the Olympic Fever that hit Sydney in 2000.

The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Sydney welcomed and hosted over 11,000 athletes from 199 countries. Together with 50,000 volunteers and millions of spectators Sydney captured the attention of the world - a city of sport, festivals, arts, community, friendship and fun.

Read more on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and uncover the incredible images and materials from our State Archives Collection.

🔗 mhnsw.au/stories/general/a-look-back-at-the-sydney-2000-olympics

In exciting news, our team at Rouse Hill Estate have been busy welcoming two new baby calves to the herd, with two more still on their way!

Like any newborns, our calves are spending time bonding with their family and aren’t quite ready for visitors just yet.

Help us name the two new additions to our herd by commenting your suggestions below.

📅 in 1839, Henry Parkes arrived in Sydney aboard the Strathfieldsaye. At just 24, the young turner was destined to leave an indelible mark on Australian history. His wife Clarinda, a talented dressmaker, was by his side.

Serving for five terms as NSW Premier from 1872 to 1891, he earned the title of the Father of Federation. In October 1889, he delivered the renowned 'Tenterfield Oration', advocating for the establishment of "a great national Government for all Australia", paving the way for the nation's federation.

Explore images from our State Archives Collection to find out more about Henry Parkes and the events and decisions that have shaped, and continue to shape, our history, communities and lives.

🔗 mhnsw.au/stories/general/25-july-1839/
📸 State Archives Collection, Museums of History NSW. NRS-15051-1-26-[1449]

Step inside the rarely opened Wentworth Mausoleum and learn about William Charles Wentworth’s extravagant 1873 state funeral.

Starting in the grand drawing room of Vaucluse House, this tour will continue through to the Wentworth Mausoleum – the final resting place of William Charles Wentworth. Hear stories and listen to commentary from the colonial newspapers about the details of this great event.

Vaucluse House
Friday 9 August, 2pm–3.30pm
Book now – https://ow.ly/sVka50SIMX0

Members get more: Enjoy presale and a 20% discount off all tickets.

Image: Vaucluse House Collection, Museums of History NSW. Photograph © Rob Little/RLDI.

The first decade of the 20th century was the golden age of the postcard. Mass-produced and widely available, postcards became the ‘text message’ of their time.

Postcards featured an almost infinite array of subjects, including celebrities, holiday destinations and significant events. Today, they present us with a snapshot of an era and the personal lives of those whose correspondence they capture.

Our new Caroline Simpson Library display draws from the postcard collection of Miss Vera Bell, a young Sydney woman, and provides a snapshot of an era: the golden age of postcards.

Learn more about this collection – https://ow.ly/zmFg50SHRtW

Images: Postcard from the collection of Vera Bell, Bell family papers. Caroline Simpson Library, Museums of History NSW.

To celebrate National Family History Month in August, our experts will be travelling to Bathurst, Yass, Goulburn and the Central Coast to share stories about some of the 4,100 young Irish women who came to Australia between 1848 and 1850 as part of Earl Grey’s Famine Orphan Scheme.

Join our archivists for an illustrated presentation about these Irish women and take advantage of this rare opportunity to view the original register from the State Archives Collection.

Collections on Tour: Wages Paid to the Irish Orphans, 1849–51
Throughout August
Free, registration essential
Check our website for dates and links.
mhnsw.au/collections-on-tour

Image: From MHNSW- StAC: Immigration Agent; NRS-5274, Wages paid to orphans, 1849-1851;