Schools: what the files can tell you

School files can be used for your local history research as they very strongly reflect the growth or decline of towns.

The school files in our collection cover both World War I and World War II but particularly reflect the many impacts of World War I. Teachers enlisted and on return took up teaching again; they applied for rent allowances and reimbursement of travelling expenses; and repaired school residences. Women resigned or had their employment terminated when they married, as married women were barred from public sector employment. 20th century increases in population saw local members making representations for more buildings or new schools in the area.

The files are an excellent source of information, not only for the history of a school but the history of a local community. 

Copy service changes

From 1 February 2022 we are changing our copy pricing.

We have simplified the pricing structure to give a single all-inclusive fee shown at the time of order that applies on a per file/per entry basis. Our new model is based on continuing to provide value for money and cost recovery.

As before additional fees will apply for urgent orders and postal delivery of hard copies.

See our website for details of our new copy service prices.

New jigsaw puzzle

Stories from the Archives

Gudyarra: The First Wiradyuri War of Resistance — The Bathurst War, 1822–1824
 
In his latest book Gudyarra, public historian Dr Stephen Gapps presents a detailed account of the Wiradyuri resistance during ‘The Bathurst War’. Gapps traces the occupation of Wiradyuri lands by Europeans following Governor Macquarie’s push to expand the colony westward, through to the ‘total gudyarra’ (‘war’ in the Wiradyuri language) that erupted in the early 1820s.
 
Gudyarra draws extensively upon surviving documents held in the NSW State Archives collection, including Colonial Secretary’s correspondence, land and stock returns, and returns of the colony.

Search the index to Colonial Secretary's Papers 1788-1825.

Exhibition - Iridescent by Gerwyn Davies

Iridescent by Gerwyn Davies playfully reimagines the museums, archives, historic houses and gardens under the care of Sydney Living Museums and NSW State Archives.

Explore 12 large-scale photographic works and costumes inspired by the whispers and fragments of our lesser-known histories.

Christmas opening hours

CLOSED
Saturday 25 December 2021 to Monday 3 January 2022

OPEN 9am-4pm
Tuesday 4 January 2022 to Friday 7 January 2022
(note the change of closing time)

OPEN 10am-4pm
Saturday 8 January 2022

Normal opening hours will resume Tuesday 11 January 2022. 

Please remember the Reading Room is closed on Mondays and is accessible by appointment only.

Upcoming webinar

Finding Your Ancestors is a Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS) project to help and encourage people to take the first steps to research their Aboriginal family history online and in libraries and archives. As well as a range of resources including videos and links to detailed research guides Paul Irish and Michael Bennett present a monthly Q&A Zoom session. Wendy Gallagher will be joining Paul and Michael this month to talk about records in the NSW State Archives Collection.  

See more about the project including links to various resources on the RAHS website. 

This session is directed towards the Aboriginal community. 

Finding Your Ancestors: Researching Aboriginal Family History in NSW

Tuesday 7 December 2021
1:00pm-2:00pm

Watch top-numbering mini-webinar online

Have you ever tried to find a Government document from the 19th century?

This webinar (now online) explains the top-numbering filing system used by many Government departments in the 19th and early 20th centuries, giving you the tools to understand this essential concept of archival research.

Connections in the catalogue