Oral histories connect us with voices from the past. They bring the history and heritage of our city alive, in an immediate and personal way. In this 3-part online series, historians Lisa Murray and Laila Ellmoos will introduce you to treasures in the City of Sydney’s Oral History Collection.

Join historian Laila Ellmoos and investigate how photography was used to document changes to Sydney in the first decades of the 20th century.

To celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival, Cooma Cottage is giving you an exclusive, in-depth view into the life and adventures of famous explorer, Hamilton Hume.

City Archivist Janet Villata and Archivist Mathilde de Hauteclocque will introduce you to the City Archives collection in this lunchtime talk.

Providing playgrounds in the city was a uniquely 20th century phenomenon. In this lunchtime talk, historian Laila Ellmoos will look at how children occupied Sydney's urban spaces, with a focus on the introduction of supervised children's playgrounds in the inner city from the 1930s.

Angular, geometric, sculptural and soaring, Town Hall House is a statement piece of Brutalist architecture. Presented in Town Hall House, this talk by assistant curator Rebecca Anderson will take the audience through the development of this fascinating building.

On the 130th anniversary of Paddington Library, join City Historian Dr Lisa Murray and Woollahra's Local History Staff for a talk which will examine the history of the Library service and the changes it has seen across 130 years.

Hear interesting stories of our early pioneering families who came to the Illawarra in the early 1800's ie: Robert Jenkins Esq. and the Berkeley Estate, Benjamin Rixon (ie: Rixon's Pass) and his daughter Julia Anne who married Robert James and the Rixon Family descendents who fought in WW1.

Celebrate an amazing shipbuilding heritage and walk the scenic waterfront on a flat, relatively short pathway from Kincumber. Historical displays along the way. Stamp your 4 Villages passport. Answer simple questions, drawn for prizes. Arrive at Davistown waterfront for entertainment, food and fun!

Enjoy flowers upon arrival and a Clydesdale horse meet and greet at historic Cooma Cottage as part of a special Mother’s Day event for the whole family.

In this talk you will discover the murders committed in Sydney between 1800 and 1950 that remain a mystery. Hear about the crime scene, the investigation, the reaction from the public.

Search for ghosts in a never before investigated 1800’s bungalow in Western NSW!

The Mary White Saumarez Collection is made up of newly discovered photos and original documents, postcards, maps and an array of stunning art deco travel posters collected by Mary White throughout her voyages from 1939-1947, which were found inside a set of attaché cases in 2014.

Enjoy a glass of beer and a meal whiling listen to some incredible stories about the gangs, pushes and larrikins who brought fear and chaos to the streets of old Sydney between 1850 and 1950. The talk takes place in the Royal albert Hotel, the club house of the most dangerous gang of the 1890s.

On this not-so-typical walking tour, you will meander through dark alleys and winding lanes, exploring the dark history of Sydney’s Surry Hills. You will investigate the ghastly crime scenes from between 1880 and 1945. This is Sydney's ultimate crime & punishment social history tour.

The Fenwick at Balmain East is partnering with professional guides and historians at Journey Walks to offer a historic walking tour around Balmain, followed by a special set menu lunch at the restaurant.

Have you ever been curious about where the names of Camden's streets, parks and places came from? Some are obvious as they pay homage to the movers and shakers of Camden's early days such as Macarthur Park. Where have the not so obvious names originated? Camden Library could help you find out!

Jardin St James has partnered with professional guides and historians at 'Journey Walks' to take you on a guided historical walking tour of Sydney CBD, followed by delicious lunch at the café restaurant.

Surry Hills and Darlinghurst were quiet villages in colonial times... until 1891 happened and for the next 100 years, they became the vice & murder capitals of Australia. Discover how and hear about the worst and most sensational murders committed that were forgotten until now.

Ripples Chowder Bay is partnering with professional guides and historians at 'Journey Walks' to offer a guided tour of Chowder Bay followed by lunch at Ripples. The tour will highlight the interesting history of the venue and will include a special set menu, glass of wine and waterfront views.

WW2, thousands of American servicemen flooded Sydney seeking vice and debauchery. US racial segregation meant only Surry Hills was where African American servicemen were allowed to party. The gangsters made bank. But all parties must end and when this one ended the streets ran red with blood.