RAHS Latest News
Bricks, Bottles and Bones: Historical Archaeology at the Parramatta Metro Site
Join Abi Cryerhall for an evening lecture about historical archaeology at the Parramatta Metro Site Archaeological excavations at the new Parramatta metro station site commenced in 2022 and is being undertaken in stages through to the end of 2025. Comprising almost an entire city block in the heart of the CBD, the excavations so far have revealed evidence of environmental change, significant Aboriginal archaeology including contact-period artefacts, two convict huts, multiple phases of...
Sydney’s Condemnation and Demolition Books
Sydney's Condemnation and Demolition Books: A talk by Laila Ellmoos, City Historian In this talk for the City of Sydney Historical Association, City Historian Laila Ellmoos will talk about the history of the City of Sydney's Condemnation and Demolition Books, a key photographic collection held in the City Archives comprising almost 5,000 photographs and associated glass plate negatives. The City Building Surveyor’s department used photographs to document the city’s profound transformation in...
Lydham Hall Historic House and Museum Reopens
St. George Historical Society's Historic House and Museum reopens to the public One of the oldest homes in the St George area has reopened to the public. The NSW State Heritage-listed Lydham Hall is a sandstone villa built in the Victorian era. The home contains a unique collection of heritage items. After a stroll through the museum, relax on the verandah with freshly baked scones and a pot of Twinings tea in vintage cups and saucers while the kids play old-fashioned games on the lawn. The...
Bicentenary of the Supreme Court of NSW
Celebrate the bicentenary of the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 17 May 2024 On 17 May 2024, the Supreme Court of NSW will celebrate the bicentenary of its founding under the Third Charter of Justice, providing us with the opportunity to reflect on its profound impact on Australian society. In a recent interview with ABC RN's Law Report, NSW Chief Justice Andrew Bell emphasised the Supreme Court’s pivotal role in democracy. He also discussed notable cases, including the Myall Creek...
PDHS Australian Heritage Festival Program
Parramatta and District Historical Society Australian Heritage Festival Program The Parramatta and District Historical Society are staging talks and tours as part of the National Trust's Australian Heritage Festival and in celebration of the Hambledon Cottage bicentenary. Parramatta – The Inland Port Walk Hear stories of Parramatta's connections with Sydney through industry, travel and leisure. Explore the old Queens Wharf and the location of the Commissariat Store, Barracks and grain store....
Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery Project
Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery Project The Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery Project is a collection of embroidered panels designed to tell the story of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia, through stitch. The panels depict the history of Quakers in Australia from Sydney Parkinson on the ship Endeavour in 1770 to the present. The panels have been designed and stitched by different groups and individuals from Quaker Meetings around Australia, with some...
Centenary Forum for the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association 1924–2024
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association (AAPA) To mark the centenary of the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association (AAPA), an incredible line-up of activists, historians and experts will present the Centenary Forum for the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association 1924–2024 at the State Library of New South Wales. Event details: 100 years of organised Aboriginal activism Friday, 12 April 2024, 10.00 am to 2.30 pm Speakers include: Pauline...
Community Heritage Grants 2024
What are the Community Heritage Grants? The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program supports community-based organisations to identify and care for Australian cultural heritage collections which are publicly accessible, locally held and nationally significant. The CHG program commenced in 1994, and we are delighted to be marking our 30th anniversary this year. How we can help The CHG supports small, local groups with limited funding and staffing resources, who would benefit from access to...
‘Who Travels by Train Sees NSW Best’: The Role of Railways in the Progress of NSW
A workshop with the Australian Railway Historical Society and WEA Sydney Railways are often overlooked for the significant role they played, and continue to play, in the development of NSW and Australia. Most of us have some association or connection to railways, even if it is just to get us to and from work. But did you know that since 1855, railways have shaped the economic, social, technological, industrial and political development of our society? This workshop will explore this story and...
Alice Hazel King (1908-1997)
Written by Melina Apostolidis, RAHS Volunteer To celebrate Women’s History Month in 2024, the Royal Australian Historical Society will continue our work from previous years to highlight Australian women who have contributed to our history in various and meaningful ways. You can browse the women featured on our Women’s History Month webpage. Alice Hazel King was an Australian historian and the first woman elected President of the Royal Australian Historical Society from 1982–1984. Her research...
Hambledon Cottage: Celebrating 200 Years
A History Milestone Is Being Celebrated! Hambledon Cottage will be celebrating its Bicentenary on 13th April. This is a significant milestone for this remarkable Parramatta landmark, once owned by pioneers John Macarthur and Elizabeth Macarthur, founders of the fine wool industry in Australia. Parramatta and District Historical Society, custodians of this extraordinary colonial heritage site, will present a week of community activities, including a Bicentennial Day celebration, house tours, a...
Florence Mary Taylor née Parsons (1879-1969)
Written by Judith Dunn OAM, RAHS Councillor To celebrate Women’s History Month in 2024, the Royal Australian Historical Society will continue our work from previous years to highlight Australian women who have contributed to our history in various and meaningful ways. You can browse the women featured on our Women’s History Month webpage. Florence Parsons arrived in Parramatta in 1884 at the age of 4 years from Somerset, England, with her parents John, a stone quarryman and Eliza, a...
RAHS Weekly News Round-Up