Past Events

How did Sydney cope in 1919 when influenza infected a third of the city's residents? How did the community rise to the challenge? What were their stories of suffering, sacrifice, solidarity and scandal?

The Royal Australian Historical Society in conjunction with Historic Houses Association of Australia (HHA) present: Finding Islands of my Own: Phillip Parker King, the first internationally renowned Australian Mermaid at anchorage in Endeavour River, 1819, Phillip Parker King. Watercolour from album of drawings and engravings. In 1796, the four year old Phillip Parker King told Matthew Flinders: ‘I shall be a sailor like my papa and find islands of my own’. Flinders never forgot and 15 years later, in 1811, introduced…

Join Dr John Pickard in this illustrated talk as he discusses the evolution of wire strainers. As the technology of wire changed from iron to steel and then high tensile steel, inventors patented their solution to the problems of straining fences.

Bicycles changed our lives – they meant a new and faster way to get around, (in both the country and the city), and gave rise to ways of exploring, socialising and competing. In the nineteenth century bicycles gave us ‘overlanders’, adventurers who explored new routes through rugged terrain; cycling clubs, which gave women a new kind of freedom to mix socially with men; and novel kinds of racing.

Join us on a guided tour of Sydney’s ‘Palace of Dreams’, the magnificent 1929 State Theatre in Market Street. Highlights of the two-hour tour will include: The grandeur of standing in a 2000 seat auditorium beautifully framed by 13 hand-cut crystal chandeliers The eclectic elements of the Theatre’s Gothic, Italian and Art deco design The State’s famous Character Lounges including the exotic Butterfly Room, the Pioneer Room, College Room and more The world's second largest hand-cut crystal chandelier, the
 Koh-i-Nor…

This lecture will explore the archival research undertaken by Dr Diane Solomon Westerhuis to complete a detailed heritage study of Laurieton, NSW.

RAHS Excursion to Pilgrim Inn, Blaxland, 1934 Join us at History House for the opportunity to learn more about the RAHS and our facilities. Enjoy light refreshments in our beautiful Reception rooms while mingling with RAHS staff, Councillors and long-term members. New members can also enjoy a tour of our Library that highlights our diverse research collection. So whether you have been a member for 6 months or 50 years, please join us!   RESERVE TICKETS  

Archival photo of Warragamba Dam workers. When Warragamba dam opened in 1960, amid great fanfare, the official government booklet text stated: The building of the Warragamba Dam resulted in the flooding of the Burragorang Valley, drowning what was once the secluded haunt of aborigines and, later, a fertile farming district and popular holiday resort. The settlers have gone: the farms, guesthouses and the little schools and churches have been demolished; and water many feet deep covers the ground where they…

The RAHS Regional Seminar program promotes the study, writing and dissemination of Australian history. This regional seminar will offer participants practical advice on assessing key record sources, followed by a range of case studies on applying this to research projects.

This popular and informative workshop will equip you with the skills to undertake your own oral history interviews. Workshop leaders will be Pauline Curby, an experienced oral historian and Andrew Host, whose 39 years of experience as a sound engineer can help you get quality recordings that will stand the test of time.