RAHS Latest News
Successful Grants and Sharing Your Collection: Affiliated Societies Seminar
RAHS Hybrid Seminar Tuesday, 13 October 2026 | 10:30 am – 3:30 pm History House, Sydney – or join us online Join us at History House or online for a day of practical insights into grant applications and sharing your historical collections. Hear directly from experienced grant assessors and learn what makes a strong application, common mistakes to avoid, and how to develop a realistic project plan and budget. Explore ways to make your collections more accessible, from copyright and permissions...
The Rum Corps: Rulers of the Colony
Military History Society of NSW presents: The Rum Corps: Rulers of the Colony The New South Wales Corps was raised to protect and police the people of the infant colony of New South Wales. Instead, they became corrupt traders in rum, goods, land and power for twenty years. They defied several Governors, culminating in the overthrow of Governor William Bligh and the Rum Rebellion of 1808. They established a military dictatorship in New South Wales with all the elements of any modern...
Uncovering Musquito with Naomi Parry Duncan
Uncovering Musquito with Naomi Parry Duncan Professional Historians Association NSW-ACT Join Naomi Parry Duncan in conversation with Rachel Franks about her book, Musquito: The real story of a legendary colonial warrior (Allen & Unwin, 2026). Nibbles and drinks will be provided and books will be available for purchase and signing. Note that this event will be followed by the PHA NSW-ACT Annual General Meeting, commencing at 7:30 pm. About the book A vivid, compelling portrait of the...
New Lift and Upgrades Planned for History House
New Lift and Upgrades Planned for History House With the new roof complete, we are turning our attention to the next major stage of work at History House: installing a new internal lift. The lift will improve disability access and make History House easier to visit. It has been ordered through Harwel, a lift company based in Gloucester, New South Wales. The lift is being specially manufactured in Spain to fit within the existing lift shaft while meeting current accessibility requirements. Once...
Film Heritage Academy: The Letter (1929)
Film Heritage Academy presents: Tribute to early cinema and its relationship with breaking the sound barrier and negotiating pre-codes and censorship Join the Film Heritage Academy for a screening of the early sound classic, The Letter (1929). This adaptation of Somerset Maugham’s play provides a powerful structure for the astonishing performance of Jeanne Eagels in this celebrated drama film. Australian-born star of stage and film O.P. Heggie plays a key role. An affair, the shooting of a...
Nominations for the 2026 Certificates of Achievement
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Certificates of Achievement Every year, thousands of volunteers in RAHS Affiliated Societies across New South Wales give their time, knowledge and passion to local and community history. They undertake important research projects, care for collections and archives, publish journals and books, organise events, preserve heritage places and keep their historical societies thriving. The RAHS Certificates of Achievement honour and record the outstanding...
2026 Southern Highlands Regional Seminar
Researching Local and Family History in Your Community The Royal Australian Historical Society, in partnership with the Bundanoon History Group, presents a full-day seminar for historians, genealogists and researchers on using online archives and source material to research local and family history. Participants will learn about: Researching land and property records using the Historical Land Records Viewer Making the best use of Trove for local and family history The Museums of History NSW...
History House: Completion of Roof Works
An evening to celebrate the new roof and look ahead to the new lift Members, donors and supporters gathered at History House on 16 June 2026, in person and online, to mark the completion of the new copper roof. RAHS President Carol Liston AO opened the evening by reminding everyone why this roof mattered so much. Without it, History House faced a real risk of water damage, the kind that could have put the library, the collections, and the heritage fabric of the building in danger. Then came...
Why the First Fleet voyage was a Success
Ku-ring-gai Historical Society presents: Why the First Fleet was Such a Success Denis Smith explores the remarkable story behind the First Fleet’s voyage from Portsmouth in 1787. Denis will consider the careful planning that made it possible, the choice of Arthur Phillip to lead it, and why Botany Bay was chosen. The talk also sheds light on Lord Sydney’s role in shaping the expedition, including his selection of Arthur Phillip. Denis tackles some intriguing questions in this presentation: why...
Researching Local History using the State Archives Collection
Ku-ring-gai Historical Society presents: Researching Local History using the State Archives Collection The NSW State Archives Collection documents the daily work of the NSW Government and its agencies from 1788 to the present day. This vast collection of records is an invaluable resource for local historians, from tracing the development of an area, through to its schools, buildings and local businesses, to recording key events that have impacted the community over time. Join Fiona Sullivan...
The History of Burnside Homes
Parramatta District Historical Society presents: The History of Burnside Homes The Burnside Homes (Burnside Presbyterian Orphan Homes) in North Parramatta were established in 1911 by shipping magnate and philanthropist Sir James Burns. Burnside pioneered cottage care in Australia and was a functioning village, with 14 cottages, all grand in scale, its own farm, hospital and school. They were later transformed into a major family service agency. In this detailed presentation by Sheenal Singh,...
Mr Todd’s Marvel
Ku-ring-gai Historical Society presents: Mr Todd's Marvel by Adam Courtenay Adam Courtenay tells the inspiring story of Sir Charles Todd, the visionary astronomer and scientist who led the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line – one of Australia’s greatest engineering feats. Spanning thousands of kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin, it connected Australia to the rest of the world in 1872, transforming communication across the continent. The book describes Todd’s ambition, the hardships...
RAHS Weekly News Round-Up