The Royal Australian Historical Society is a voluntary organisation founded in Sydney in 1901 to encourage Australians to understand more about their history. It has a membership throughout Australia and all its activities and facilities are funded by contributions from its members and benefactors.

The Royal Australian Historical Society is a cultural organization that works for the benefit of its members and the broader community to:

• promote interest in Australian history
• advance the study of Australian history, and
• broaden opportunities for participation in historical research.

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Why not join us? Download our new online Membership form now

2012 Heritage and Cultural Grants programs now open!

The ArtsNSW Cultural Grants program administered by the RAHS, supports organisations undertaking projects with a lasting historical contribution to a community in NSW. Please download the new, applicant-friendly application form here.

This form can be filled in using Adobe Reader, which is available for free from the Adobe website http://get.adobe.com/reader/. The filled in form can be submitted by clicking on the submit button at the end of the form. Attach additional supporting files to the email before sending your application to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Alternatively you can print the file and return it by mail with attachments to History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

NSW Heritage Grants Program administered by the RAHS assists historical research and local archive projects. Individuals and community organisations are eligible to apply. Application forms and further information can be found on the NSW Heritage Branch website.

Both grant programs close 20 July 2012!

Australian Heritage Strategy - submissions called for

The Australian Government is seeking public input to help develop a new Australian Heritage Strategy for the identification, management and celebration of Australia’s heritage. The new strategy will cover natural, Indigenous and historic heritage and set the direction for heritage policies and programs at all levels of government for the next 10 years.

Public consultation is planned to occur in the development of the strategy and the department is inviting comment from the community about how the national may recognise, manage and celebrate our heritage in the best ways possible. The feedback received in response to the public consultation paper now available will help inform the development of the Australian Heritage Strategy.

For more information about the strategy : how to make a submission : download the public consultation paper visit : to read the nine commissioned essays: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/strategy/index.html Or call the Department on 1800 803 772.

The Department has issued a media release on this topic : www.environment.gov.au/about/media/dept-mr/dept-mr20120419.html

Submissions will be accepted up until 15 June 2012 by e-mail to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or hardcopy.

National Archaeology Week (20 - 26 May)

 Evening Lecture: A Surprising Find: Thomas Ball’s Pottery 

Monday 21 May

 This talk investigates the pottery from waster pits associated with Thomas Ball’s pottery (c1801-1823) in the Haymarket. This is the earliest Pottery site investigated so far in Australia. Thomas Ball was a Staffordshire-trained potter operating a Pottery in the Brickfields (now the Haymarket) and produced a range of locally-made wares, a mixture of utilitarian items and decorated tablewares, as well as smoking pipes and marbles. The tablewares imitated Staffordshire ceramics while others were decorated with unusual green and brown floral hand painted patterns. Aspects of the kiln and manufacturing process are discussed. Thomas Ball’s ceramics are also discussed within the context of other pottery imported into the colony at that time.

Dr Mary Casey has been a heritage consultant since 1989, and is a principle of Casey & Lowe Pty Limited, one of the foremost historical archaeological consultancies in NSW.  Dr Casey has excavated numerous early colonial sites, particularly in Sydney and Parramatta, and has a special interest and expertise in early Australian potters and ceramics.

Time: 5.30 for 6pm – 7.30pm

Venue: History House

Cost: $10 members / $12 non members

National Archaeology Week aims to increase public awareness of Australian archaeology and the work of Australian archaeologists both at home and abroad, and to promote the importance of protecting Australia's unique archaeological heritage. An exciting nationwide program of events and exhibitions, held in May each year, includes public lectures, seminars, exhibits, demonstration excavations and displays. Check out your state for events in your local area. For further events, click here.

State Records 'Managing Your Collections' workshops   

The Royal Australian Historical Society will launch the half-day workshops in Sydney with the pilot event at History House on 13 June from 10.30am to 1.30pm. There is no cost, but reservations are essential. Please ring 9247 8001 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book.

Workshops in several regional NSW areas will follow from July to December. They will be free and open to members, affiliates, and interested parties, as space allows. Details will follow in future e-news regarding the dates and locations of the regional workshops. Contact us to attend the Sydney workshop or learn more about the regional sessions.

NEW ROADS and MARITIME SERVICES (RMS) and RAHS PARTNERSHIP:

The Old Hume Highway Self-Guided Tour Brochure

Calling Local Historians

Are you a local historian or society whose town is along the Old Hume Highway? Do you have any information on any of the towns and localities? We hope that you can help us find the most relevant and interesting information to share with driving tourists.

The RAHS has begun an exciting new collaboration with the RMS department to research a self-guided driving tour of the NSW section of the Old Hume Highway.

Download further information on this project.

RAHS is proud to offer a limited run of posters and we are now accepting pre-orders for our Librarian's Choice poster series.

This set of four posters feature images from the RAHS library selected by our Librarian Donna Newton, and voted on by our Members. The images chosen (featured below) include historical looks at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Byron Bay, Kings Cross, and Windsor.

Each poster is 30x42cm, and suitable for framing. They are a unique gift, and we are happy to include a gift message to your chosen recipient.

Complete Set of Four Posters

Member $20 /Non-Member $35

Single Poster

Member $6 /Non-Member $10

Shipping and handling: $7 per address (additional costs apply for International shipping). Shipping fees may be waived by picking up your order from RAHS at 133 Macquarie Street.

Secure your order by submitting your request by submitting this form. We will invoice you when the posters are ready to ship.  

This is a limited run, so we encourage you to place your order now.

Download our exciting new Promotional Brochure: an Introduction to the RAHS and/or our Media Kit.

The Royal Australian Historical Society Needs Your Help!

Volunteer your time

We have many small and interesting jobs for anyone with a passion for history that would like to help us on a regular or irregular basis. For enquiries please contact our This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Financial Assistance

We always need financial assistance. Small and large donations are welcome as are parcels of shares (contact us to arrange an off-market transfer at no expense to you).  Donations to certain RAHS funds are tax deductible.

For further information: Please contact the Chief Executive Officer, Maria Walsh, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 02 9247 8001.