Library Overview
Named in honour of Charles H. Bertie and Hugh Wright, the C.H. Bertie and Hugh Wright Memorial Library—commonly known as the RAHS Library—recognises their pivotal roles in establishing and developing a nationally significant historical collection.
Key resources include:
- A complete run of the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society and our History magazine
- Sands Sydney Directories
- New South Wales Statistical Registers
- Extensive material on local and community histories across New South Wales
Built over more than a century through acquisitions and donations, the RAHS Library continues to support researchers exploring the histories of people and places throughout New South Wales.
The RAHS Library is a reference library, and collection items are not available for general loan. Researchers are welcome to consult material at History House, and we also participate in interlibrary loans. If you are unable to visit the Library, please contact us to discuss the material you are interested in and how we may be able to assist you in accessing it.
Library Catalogue
The RAHS has an online catalogue, which currently contains over 27,000 searchable items.
The online catalogue makes it easier for researchers to explore the breadth of the RAHS Library collection remotely. New records are added regularly as we continue to make more of our collection discoverable online.
Plan a Library Visit
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm (excluding public holidays)
Location: RAHS Library – First Floor, History House, 133 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW
Entry Fees: Free for RAHS members and members of RAHS Affiliated Societies. $5.50 per day for general public visitors
Accessibility: The library is located on the first floor of a heritage-listed building. While there is a lift, it opens onto a landing with stairs leading to the library entrance. If you have accessibility requirements, we encourage you to contact us in advance so we can assist with your visit.
Appointments Recommended: All materials are held on-site, but some items are stored in archival areas. To ensure the best support for your research, we recommend contacting the RAHS Librarian ahead of your visit.
Contact: Donna Newton – RAHS Librarian
📞 (02) 9247 8001
Library Services
Research Support: RAHS Librarian Donna Newton provides guidance on using the library’s collections and offers research support to help you locate relevant materials for your historical projects. Whether you’re starting a new research enquiry or looking for specific sources, we encourage you to get in touch before your visit.
Computers and Internet Access: Visitors are welcome to bring their own devices. Limited public-access computers are available (note: these may also be in use by RAHS volunteers). Wi-Fi is available.
Photocopying and Scanning: Scanning and photocopying facilities are available (fees apply). You may also use your digital camera or scanner, provided copyright and conservation conditions are met.
Databases and Research Tools: We provide on-site access to the following resources:
- Ancestry.com
- Biographical Database of Australia (BDA)
Bookings are essential for access to these databases. Please contact the RAHS Librarian to reserve a time.
Click on the images below to explore the library catalogue and collections.
