Join Dr Phillip Drew who will discuss the sculpturer Thomas Wran’s significance in Australian art history and role of sculpture.

Your presenter will reveal some surprises in detailing the historic associations of many properties as you stroll along this street, the people and enterprises which made their mark over most of the last 200 years.

'Street Photography' explores the heyday of this once popular but now forgotten genre. During the mid-20th century, street photographers were a familiar sight on Sydney's streets, capturing moments in the lives of countless people. Explore this fascinating exhibition of candid images.

'Charlie's Angles' showcases the varied building styles within the St George region designed by local architect and nursery owner Charles Halstead between 1889 and 1915. Through historic photographs, the exhibition highlights aspects of the work of Halstead in south-western Sydney.

Tell us your story so we can add it to our history collection. Listen to some of the stories we have already collected, look at the displays in our museum featuring some of our collections, meet like minded people.

Experience what life was like in the 1880s at Carisbrook Historic House and gardens. The house is a survivor of a time when land around the Lane Cove River was a world away from Sydney Town. Enjoy a tour and a Devonshire tea in the courtyard and a walk through the gardens down to Burns Bay.

Visitors will be taken on a guided geological walk around Browns Field that explains how it sits over a diatreme.

Always expressing a particular interest in people, Robyn specialises in portraiture. Her style and media are eclectic. Equally proficient with paint, charcoal and pencil, she draws different qualities from each medium to create a diverse output of work. Celebrity portraits include Russell Crowe.

Visitors will see the remains of an old, abandoned quarry and hear a geologist's explanation of the basalt dyke formation.

Join us for a historical walking tour of Callan Park. Learn about life at Callan Park from its establishment as a private estate, to its recent past as a psychiatric institution, and contemporary plans for its future.

Self-guided outdoor exhibition – Callan Park’s Shared Stories – highlighting the curious, complex history of Callan Park. Former patients and staff share their stories of living and working in Kirkbride.

Visitors will go on a gentle guided walk through Sheldon Forest and hear from a geological point of view why this Sydney forest is so environmentally sensitive and such a ‘national treasure’.

Brinsley's Joinery Shop will be open to the public for hourly tours. You will experience an unforgettable event witnessing working word working machinery from a forgotten era.

Discover Woronora Memorial Park Cemetery and Crematorium. Take a tour through time or embark on your own self-guided history tour.

Free Organ Recitals, Free Church History Talks, Display of Church History Memorabilia, Bicentennial Commemoration of Rev. Dr. John Dunmore Lang, Devonshire Teas ($5), 2pm Local History Walk ($20)

A fun concert filled with Highlights from Gilbert and Sullivan and many more!
Presented by Louis Vinciguerra and friends.

Discover the dramatic tale of Sydney's longest-serving hangman, Robert ‘Nosey Bob’ Howard, as told by true crime expert, Dr Rachel Franks in her captivating new book, An Uncommon Hangman.

Extra operating day - Saturday 22nd April 2023, 10am-4pm
In addition to every Sunday - 10am -5pm and Wednesday - 10am-3pm

All volunteer operated.

Cost: All-inclusive (incl. tram-rides) - Adult $20, Concession $15, Child $10.

Event especially for Aust. Heritage Festival.

All volunteer operated.

Join Historian Sue Castrique as she talks about recovering Gumbramorra Swamp and the hidden landscape of Marrickville Valley.

Discover one of the hidden gems of Sydney’s North Shore. Eryldene is the former home of linguist & camellia expert, Professor E.G. Waterhouse & his family. The house was built & its garden created in the early 20th Century & here you will find one of Australia's most important camellia collections.

Come to an Asquith coffee shop and have a coffee with the author of 'A History of Asquith NSW', discover the history of this re-birthed suburb. Bring your copies for signing or purchase one of the last remaining copies of this two volume 530 page limited print run.

Ku-ring-gai Council presents a program of events for the Australian Heritage Festival which explores the rich history of the Ku-ring-gai and celebrates our Indigenous, natural, built and cultural heritage.

Discover your Heritage and share their stories.

The Balmain Association, a community not-for-profit organisation housed in the historic sandstone Watch House at 179 Darling Street, will be sharing stories from the donated collection of family history books and presenting a photographic display of where these stories evolved from.

As a group we will explore historic houses, churches and parklands, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Sydney's picturesque skyline. Join us to unearth the forgotten stories of the most influential buildings in Sydney, and the amazing anecdotes of some of the city's past residents.

Visitors are invited to attend a talk and presentation that explains the geological history of Ku-ring-gai. Learn about Friends of Ku-ring-gai Environment's (FOKE) Ku-ring-gai GeoRegion project.

Since the first school in the Willoughby District commenced in 1840 there have been over 165 schools that have come. stayed or been lost. These schools have occupied 88 properties. Today, only 25 schools remain.

Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery is the oldest general cemetery on Sydney's north shore dating from 1868. It is an oasis of open green space in the midst of a busy growing commercial area. Join an intriguing tour of this heritage cemetery and unearth its stories.

Discover the history of East Balmain as Sydney historian Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks whisks you away to an earlier era, sharing stories of Balmains culture, mystery & colourful characters before returning to The Fenwick for an indulgent 2 course lunch.

Shire Creativity is a joint exhibition of the Continuum Art Society Inc and the Port Hacking Potters. Both these groups have a long-standing history in the Sutherland Shire.

Get up close and personal with all things dinosaurs. If your child loves dinosaurs, this is the ultimate school holiday adventure show that is both exciting and educational. Full of dinosaurs, displays, fossils, an erupting volcano and activities to keep your kids busy, busy, busy.

Discover the history of Sydney’s Walsh Bay as historian Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks rewinds the clock to an earlier age, leading guests on a historical walking tour and exploration through time before returning to enjoy a 2 course lunch with bread and snacks at Ventuno.

The Middle Harbour Creek catchment is only 12 kms from the Sydney CBD and yet in places resembles a wilderness area. In April 1788, it was one of the first areas explored by Governor Arthur Phillip and his party in search of land suitable for agriculture to feed the First Fleet colony.

Take a leisurely 90 minute stroll through The Rocks with one of our friendly specialist guides within this unique heritage precinct of beautifully restored buildings situated in its picturesque harbourside setting.

Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922), renowned Anglo Irish Antarctic Explorer never achieved his life goal to reach the South Pole. In 1915 his Imperial Antarctic Expedition foundered when his ship The Endurance sank in the Weddell Sea. His leadership skills enabled him to escape the ice against all odds .

The City Archives holds vast swathes of documentary evidence of past events, people and places in the City of Sydney council area. This session introduces you to some stories uncovered in the archives. Learn some tips to search the catalogue so you can be the detectives and find your own stories.

Get ready to explore behind the scenes at the Museums of History NSW with our Mint open day. Come and explore the heritage site, see the collections close up, hear from experts on a range of fascinating topics, take a behind-the-scenes tour and relax with good food and coffee.

The Sutherland Shire Citizens' Festival is a joining of many varied groups within the Shire that share in the rich history of the area.
Our festival covers the Arts, the Music, the people and the History. there are many stories to be told throughout our festival. please come and join us!

Discover unique Castlecrag stories as you meander around the suburb spotting Griffin designed houses, hidden reserves and beautiful legacy trees.

Enjoy twilight at May Gibbs' harbourside house in Neutral Bay. The house museum and garden will be open to the public for a special after-hours experience.

You are invited to the April gathering of the Kirribilli Writers Group. Be entertained as this diverse group of writers share personal and researched local heritage stories and songs. Enjoy a Q&A and discussion over a cup of tea or coffee and refreshments.

Discover the largest collection of records relating to the history of NSW in our Open Day: Western Sydney Records Centre, housing the State Archives Collection. Come see the collections close up, hear from experts on a range of fascinating topics, take a behind-the-scenes tour and more.

Built in 1832, Sydney’s oldest maritime building and the birthplace of scouting in Australia will be open to the public and Custodian, Colleen Godsell will be on hand to share her stories and the story of what a committed community can achieve.

Enjoy a glass of wine while listening to the forgotten dark stories of the murders, mysteries and scandals that took place in Woollahra, one of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs. The talk is hosted in the stunning art deco Woollahra Hotel. It too has its own macabre past.

Many a body has washed up on the shores of Sydney Harbour over the last 235 years. In this talk you will hear the dark stories of horrifying murders committed on our fair harbour. Over a glass of wine, you will hear the details, investigate the evidence and consider the court proceedings.

Uncover the stories of the past at a special after dark tour of historic Lindesay at Darling Point.

Come on a fascinating tour of one of Australia's oldest cemeteries. You will learn more about the lives of some of the people from our history that shaped the development of Campbelltown.

Merchant, whaler & pastoralist from Scotland, West Indies to Sydney. Mosman's namesake arrived in Sydney in 1828, applied for a Crown Grant of land in Great Sirius Cove and established a whaling station in 1832. In 1838 he transferred his holdings relocated to New England. This is his story.

The Barn is the sole surviving building from the 1832 whaling station established by Archibald Mosman in Mosman Bay. A fine example of how a committed community has ensured this building continues to serve as a reminder of Mosman’s maritime past. Colleen will share her story of saving The Barn.

Book launch of a long awaited collection of researched articles on aspects of the early settlement and growth of Mosman on Sydney's Lower North Shore. Researched and compiled by the Mosman Historical Society.

Join author Larry Writer for a discussion of his new book, The Shipwreck, a definitive account of the loss of the Dunbar in 1857. This talk brings together stories shared generation by generation of one of Australia's worst maritime disasters, set against Writer's meticulous research.

We want to hear about your memories of Campbelltown! You are invited to share your stories about any of our ten featured local places. Each response will be accompanied by photographs and information to form an amazing display in our libraries.

Marramarra National Park is a one of the Hawkesbury’s best kept secrets. It’s great for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, cycling, camping, bushwalking, picnicking and birdwatching.

Discover the history of Chowder Bay as you join Max Burns-McRuvie from Journey Walks on a historical walking tour, delving into the past and sharing stories that make our surroundings so special, before enjoying a delicious 2 course lunch with bread and snacks at Ripples Chowder Bay.

Uncover your family story! Have you always wanted to trace your family tree? Here is your chance to start a fascinating journey.

The Australiana Pioneer Village offers a unique look at lifestyle back in the 1800s, share our stories on the families that lived the cottages, participate in our demonstrations highlighting how our ancestors lived in this period of our history.

This is a day when you can learn more about the fascinating story of Australia’s oldest church - Ebenezer Church. You will hear about the people who built the church, pioneers such as Andrew Johnston, the architect and builder of the church, John Grono who was a ship-builder and sea captain and more!

Take a guided bush walk through Sydney Royal National Park's historic coastal cabin community. Listen to the shared stories of how these curious cabins were erected during the Great Depression. Eat lunch at the Era Beach Surf Life Saving Club and experience our community's 110-year-old history.

The Richmond to Kurrajong Railway operated from 1926 to 1952. The locals called it the Pansy Line.
We take a coach tour, with multiple stops, to explore the remnants of the line that are still visible. Many of the remnants are on private property that is not normally accessible.

Camden Library Services wants to tell the tales of people and places in Camden sharing stories from the past and offering visitors the chance to tell their own stories for future generations. This includes a photo display, online exhibition, oral history project and children's activities.

Led by Conservation Architect Graham Edds and Hawkesbury Historian Jan Barkley-Jack, this tour takes you to some of Richmond's most unique pre-1850s cottages and churches to uncover their stories.

Be prepared to be amazed on this tour. The walk starts at arguably the most stunning lookout in Sydney where you will see views of Barrenjoey Headland, Pittwater, Broken Bay and beyond into the Tasman Sea.

Enjoy an unforgettable 6 hours on the water exploring the hidden places and forgotten voices of the Secret River. Cruise the Hawkesbury River upstream for history onboard with Grace Karskens. Join two walking tours with expert guides and readers sharing Lower Hawkesbury stories before stopping for lunch at historical house.

An unmissable 6 hour experience cruising Dyarrubin ‘the mighty Hawkesbury’ with historical tours at two island locations. Downstream, experts provide insights on the deep history of sandstone country and Australian indigenous astronomy. Enjoy lunch at a private historic house on the sparkling waterfront.

All day historical immersion cruising Dyarubbin with historians, geologist and storytellers evoking the magic of the Secret River - with Grace Karskens, Gil Jones and the Indigenous Astronomy Group. Visiting hidden locations and water only access islands for short walking tours. Lunch on waterfront.

Explore the story of food on the banks of the Hawkesbury River with Max Burns-McRuvie. Native tea tasting and stories of the colonial menu; walk alongside heritage remains of Gov. Darling’s great routes from Sydney to the Hunter; visit Mill Creek tidal mill site, and Trollops reach.

Uncover stories of the railways in world-heritage listed Blue Mountains at the 2023 Blue Mountains History Conference.

Join a National Parks and Wildlife Service Volunteer Guide and step back in time to learn about the adventure, suffering, achievements and humour of the convicts of early 19th century New South Wales.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Norman Lindsay Gallery with a visit to our special exhibition featuring an array of fine works loaned from public and private collections.

"A Glimpse of the Wollondilly Community" will profile stories of people, pioneers and places that showcase the Wollondilly Area. There will be stories from the original inhabitants of Burragorang Valley to the pioneers that came later.

Join us to celebrate the publication of Wollondilly Scenes by local author James Whitfield. Wollondilly Scenes showcases the beauty of the Wollondilly Shire, featuring photography by the author. Hear from James Whitfield as he discusses his work, followed by light refreshments and a book signing.