City of Sydney

| Skip to Content | Skip to Menu | Careers  | Contact Us  |   About Us  |   Media Releases

Historical Associations

Would you like to share some time with other people who are interested in history? There are a number of historical associations that are based in the city. Many of them have regular meetings, events and activities, and several societies have libraries and resources that are open to members and the general public. Why not join a group and discover the history of Sydney!

City of Sydney Historical Association (COSHA)

Membership based community history group interested in learning about and sharing their interest in the city's history. COSHA meet on the second Saturday of the month for talks, tours and other events. Gain new knowledge and skills of the city's local history in a relaxed, social setting. Most events are free and all are welcome. Members receive a regular newsletter.

City of Sydney Historical Association
GPO Box 4776,
Sydney NSW 2001
Website: sydneyhistorical.org.au

Enquiries
Bev Brooks
Tel: 02 9518 8730
Email:brooksbevy@iprimus.com.au

Public Relations
Clancy Walker
Tel: 02 9660 5320
Email: clance@bigpond.net.au

Back to top

South Sydney Heritage Society (SSHS)

The SSHS was formed in 1993 to explore the idea of "South Sydney", celebrate its rich cultural diversity, and identify and recognise its natural, cultural and built heritage and history. The Society is involved in the research, protection and education of our heritage in the southern inner city area. Meetings for members and guests are held on the third Sunday of each month at 1:30 pm. The society produces a quarterly newsletter and an annual journal for members.

South Sydney Heritage Society
PO Box 2011
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

Contact
Ann Barron
Tel: 02 9351 8304
Email: annb@dentistry.usyd.edu.au

Back to top

The Glebe Society

The Glebe Society was formed in 1969 to fight inappropriate development and to protect the distinctive Victorian character of Glebe. The Glebe Society's aims include: the conservation of our Victorian and Edwardian heritage; ensuring progress is based on best-outcomes and is resident-friendly; providing the community with input into decisions which affect them; the enhancement of community spirit; and working cooperatively with other local organisations.

The Society organises a number of social functions each year that give members, and, particularly newcomers to Glebe, an opportunity to meet each other. The Society produces a regular bulletin for members.

The Glebe Society
PO Box 100
Glebe NSW 2037
Email: secretary@glebesociety.org.au
Website: www.glebesociety.org.au

Back to top

The Paddington Society

Established in 1964, the Paddington Society aims to promote and protect the unique character of Paddington through an appreciation of its history, heritage and the built environment. Regular events are organised for members and the general public.

The Paddington Society
PO Box 99,
Paddington NSW 2021
Website: www.paddingtonsociety.org.au

Back to top

Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS)

Formed in 1901, the RAHS is both the state's premier historical society and the oldest institution in Australia. Their library collection specialises in NSW local history, historical society serial publications, and they also have a substantial image collection. The Society's library is open to the general public for a small fee. Members can access the library facilities for free. Library catalogues are available online.

Royal Australian Historical Society
'History House'
133 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Tel: 02 9247-8001
Fax: 02 9247 7854
Email: history@rahs.org.au
Website: www.rahs.org.au

Back to top

Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG)

The SAG is Australia's largest and oldest family history society. The society encourages and supports family history research through the most comprehensive collection of family history resources in Sydney. Two libraries, which cater for Australian and overseas research, are staffed by experienced genealogists who can provide research advice and assistance. The society's libraries are open to the general public for a small fee. Members can access the libraries for free. Library catalogues are available online. An education program of talks, workshops and seminars is also offered.

Society of Australian Genealogists
'Richmond Villa'
120 Kent Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9247 3953
Fax: 02 9241 4872
Email General Enquiries: info@sag.org.au
Email Research Enquiries: research@sag.org.au - but check their research pages on the website first!
Website: www.sag.org.au

Back to top

Pride History Group

The Pride History Group is a not-for-profit community history group that is passionate about collecting and preserving memorabilia and other information about lesbian, gay and transgender lives, politics and communites in the Sydney region. This group is affiliated to the Oral History Association of Australia and the Royal Australian Historical Society and is supported by the City of Sydney.

Pride History Group
PO Box 242
Glebe NSW 2034
Email: phg@unwired.com.au
Website: http://www.pridehistorygroup.org.au

Back to top

Sydney Heritage Fleet

The Sydney Heritage Fleet restore, operate and maintain a fleet of vintage vessels, including the 1874 barque James Craig. In the process they also preserve traditional technical methods and skills, an essential part of our maritime history and heritage. The Fleet maintains a comprehensive research library and archive which includes photographs, ships' plans, diaries, logs and journals.

Sydney Heritage Fleet and Sydney Maritime Museum
Aministration & Library,
Wharf 7, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Tel: 02 9298 3888

Restoration Site,
4 James Craig Road, Rozelle NSW 2039

Tel: 02 9818 5388
Website: www.austfleet.com

Back to top

Australian Railway Historical Society - NSW Division

The ARHS dates back to the 1930s. The society encourages the study of Australian railways and actively compiles and collects records at its resource centre. The society enables people interested in the history and operations of railways and NSW tramways in Australia to associate with others with similar interests, for their mutual benefit and enjoyment.

Regular meetings, talks and outings are part of an active education and social program, and the society also publishes and journal and regular newsletters, as well as books and monographs.

Australian Railway Historical Society
67 Renwick Street,
Redfern NSW 2012
Tel: 02 9699 4595
Fax: 02 9699 1714
Email: mail@arhsnsw.com.au
Website: www.arhsnsw.com.au

ARHS Railway Resource Centre
Tel: 02 9699 2736
Email: resources@arhsnsw.com.au

Tour Infoline: 02 8394 9019

Back to top

Naval Historical Society of Australia

Researching and promoting naval history in Australia. Our Naval history is an integral part of Australia's history. Throughout the country people are tracing their ancestors, history of their towns and homes, exploring the development of social institutions and recording their own stories for posterity. Many people and stories have naval connections. Whatever your interest or connection, the Naval Historical Society of Australia should have something for you. Requests for information and research can be undertaken by NHSA volunteers.

Naval Historical Society of Australia
The Secretary
The Boatshed,
Building 25
Garden Island NSW 2011
Tel: 02 9359-2372 or 02 9359-2243 (Tuesdays & Thursdays only)
Fax: 02 9359-2383
Email: secretary@navyhistory.org.au
Website: www.navyhistory.org.au

Back to top

Royal United Services Institute of NSW (RUSI-NSW)

RUSI-NSW, founded 1888, offers membership to anyone interested in defence affairs and military history. Members receive a quarterly journal and use of the Military Research Library at the organisation's offices at Level 20, 270 Pitt Street. Monthly lectures are presented at the nearby Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts. Complimentary tea and coffee are also provided in the Member's Lounge area, which features panoramic views over the CBD. Other benefits for members include guided visits to defence bases and warships, and social dinners held in historic settings.  

Royal United Services Institute of NSW (RUSI-NSW)
Level 20, 270 Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2000

Locked Bag 18,
Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Tel: 02 9393 2325
Email: nsw.rusi@defence.gov.au
Website: www.rusinsw.org.au

Back to top

Twentieth Century Heritage Society of NSW

The 20th Century Heritage Society of NSW was founded in 1995, with the aim of protecting and promoting 20th Century architectural and design heritage in the state. It has attracted an impressive group of heritage practitioners, historians and specialists - united in their commitment to the conservation of our state's dwindling stock of heritage items. The Society meets regularly for talks and tours in the city.

Twentieth Century Heritage Society
P.O. Box Q1072
QVB Post Office,
Sydney NSW 1230

Tel: 02 9878-2511
Fax: 02 9878-2521
Email: info@twentieth.org.au
Website: www.twentieth.org.au

Back to top

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

The National Trust is a community organisation concerned with all aspects of our heritage, whether it be cultural, environmental, or structural. It lobbies for the preservation of our heritage and actively protects it through a number of properties and house museums across the state. The trust library and archives is housed at the National Trust Centre. Members receive a Quarterly Magazine and free access to National Trust properties.

National Trust Centre
Observatory Hill
Sydney NSW 2001

GPO Box 518
Sydney NSW 2001

Tel: 02 9258 0123
Fax: 02 9251 1110
Website: www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au

Back to top

History Council of NSW

The History Council of New South Wales gives history a voice. It is the peak body in this state for historical organisations and those people interested and concerned about the past. The History Council pledges to work for history as a vital part of community life in New South Wales. The History Council coordinates History Week the annual celebration of history held during the third week in September.

History Council of NSW
PO Box R1737
Royal Exchange NSW 1225
Tel: 02 9252-8715
Fax: 02 9252-8716
Email: office@historycouncilnsw.org.au
Website: www.historycouncilnsw.org.au

Back to top

Last Updated: Wednesday 16 March, 2011

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.