Archive Research Services

Archive records reveal a history of the community movement to preserve significant places for all Australians.

The Trust Archive is the repository for the records of the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Established in 1945 and the first National Trust in Australia, it has been a leading organisation in the conservation movement in New South Wales. Archive records reveal a history of the community movement to preserve significant places for all Australians. Battles fought and work undertaken to save individual buildings, landscapes, cemeteries, and industrial and move-able heritage items in New South Wales can be seen in records, images and Trust publications.

Archive records of Trust managed properties contain comprehensive histories of each of these significant properties as well as the conservation, interpretation and collection management of them by The Trust.

Significant sites and places

Histories of individual sites document conservation activity and threats since 1945. Classified and many non classified sites have files. Digital copies of extensive slides and prints of most sites are available.

Records available

Heritage Sites & Buildings Records

Administration Records

History of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) through minutes, correspondences, reports etc
Advice to governments on heritage issues and legislation, and the promotion of establishing government funded bodies such as the Historic Houses Trust are documented.
The lobbying for and contributions to heritage legislation
Volunteers and voluntary committee work for the Trust
Advice and supervision of Restoration appeals on churches and other heritage buildings
Fundraising activities and events

Paper files of the Trust dating back to 1945 exist for all record groups. Earlier material is held off site. Extra fees will be charged for box to be recalled

Trust publications

papers of seminars, conferences and lectures conducted by the Trust in paper copy and some on sound cassette
publications in various formats relating to Trust managed properties
a combined index to the Trust Bulletins, Magazine, Quarterly and Reflection dating from 1947
early Trust registers of significant buildings
exhibition catalogues (S H Ervin Gallery, Norman Lindsay Gallery etc)
annual reports
flyers and brochures advertising Trust activities
thematic surveys: pools, post offices, showgrounds, inter-war housing etc

Plans of Trust properties

Architectural, landscape, services and site plans for trust managed properties are held in the Archive. Access limitations apply.

Property and Museum Records

the histories of properties owned or held in trusteeship by The Trust
conservation and preservation works on the buildings and grounds
the management of properties owned or held in trusteeship by The Trust
collections held by properties: their management and restoration
the contributions of committees, volunteers as well as consultants are included in files, reports, publications plans and images

Special Library collection

Includes published and unpublished items collected or donated to The Trust for use in its work in conservation advocacy and property management. Its strengths are works based on New South Wales:

Local histories
Architectural history
thematic studies (cemeteries, theatres and cinemas, railways etc)
building conservation and renovation
histories of individual properties and buildings

Items are not for loan but may be accessed by appointment.

Photographic prints and slides

The Trust has extensive collections of images documenting its work and activities.
Historic prints of buildings and Trust properties have been collected or donated to the Archive. Various collections are accessible digitally.

Copies are available in most formats with members receiving reductions in fees.

Digital images of current events and of special collections: demolished buildings slides collection, some historic minutes and papers, some historic photographs. Digital copies of material can be supplied.

Moving film Collection

A small 16 mm moving film collection documenting work on Trust properties, various property openings and functions is held in the Archive. Currently not accessible to the public.