Museums of History New South Wales

West elevation (front) of Hyde Park Barracks, from across Queens Square

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There’s plenty happening every day at our museums, historic houses and gardens, with entry free for all!

Student carrying convict bricks in the courtyard at Hyde Park Barracks

Learning

Explore our curriculum-linked programs, excursions and resources for stages 1 to 6. Inquire or book now

Education programme at Hyde Park Barracks.

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Your support will help us to preserve and share the stories of NSW through our places, collections, archives and programs

The view of the gardens from the roof of Vaucluse House

Heritage

We manage, maintain and interpret buildings and places of historic importance for the education and enjoyment of the public

Explore the collections

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Settlers' Muster Book, 1800
Latest News

State Archives Collection: Customer Satisfaction Survey 2025

Every year we undertake a survey to gather customer feedback on the State Archives Collection services we provide in the Reading Room, on our website and through our inquiry and copying services

House covered with scaffold
Latest News

Rouse Hill Estate – what’s been going on?

The conservation works are up and running at Rouse Hill Estate! The scaffolds are up, allowing the team to look closely at windows and roofs

Latest News

Love in the Library – Members Hour at the Caroline Simpson Library

In February, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Collections Discovery Assistant Mel Flyte shared with our members expressions of love discovered in the Caroline Simpson Library

Bullion Bar and Dining
Latest News

Bullion Bar and Dining launches at The Mint

The 200-year-old Mint building has welcomed a new dining era with the launch of Bullion Bar and Dining, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney opening on the first floor

First Nations Hub

A space and place to celebrate and engage with First Nations cultures, knowledge and perspectives

Welcome

Stories

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Women police in NSW: a history of firsts

A collection of photographs at the Justice & Police Museum document the hard-won firsts, beginning in 1915, that led to women attaining equal status within the NSW Police Force

NRS 12061 [12/8749.1] 62/1515pt1, p334

Advocacy, allyship and the rise and fall of the Aborigines Protection Board

In the lead-up to 26 January, the State Archives Collection provides opportunities to explore and reflect on past examples of advocacy and allyship in the fight for First Nations rights

Wallpaper roller undergoing 3D capture using photogrammetry
Wallpaper

Wallpaper printing rollers: from machine printing to 3D capture

In December 2022, Phyllis Murphy AM generously donated to the Caroline Simpson Library more than 3,000 wallpaper samples. While the bulk of the donation consists of wallpaper rolls, lengths and sample books, it also includes two printing rollers

Alexander Mackintosh Archive : 
architectural plans and specifications, 1901-ca.1921: Waterhouse & Lake : architectural plans and specifications, 1909-1924 / B.J. Waterhouse & J.W. Lake [architectural drawing]

The Alexander Mackintosh Archive: revealing records of a master builder

Forgotten for decades, the archive of building contractor Alexander Mackintosh was rediscovered in a roof space in the 1990s. It includes more than 270 architectural drawings and reveals information about the work of many of Sydney’s leading architects of the early 20th century

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