History & archive collections
Our collections include formal City of Sydney archive records and the civic collection. They also include our history websites and local history resources at our libraries.
History & archive collections
City of Sydney ArchivesHistory & archive collections
Civic collectionHistory & archive collections
History websitesHistory & archive collections
Books about Sydney’s historyLibrary collections
Local history collection
Library & information services
How to use our archives collection
The City archives holds more than one million records from 1842, when the Council was established, to recent years.
City of Sydney News
News
Sharing Aboriginal culture through storytellingDiscover how Donna Maria Ingram showcases Aboriginal people's stories and culture by walking and talking.21 November 2025News
Leading with prideHow Luciano Svagelli is strengthening Redfern through mentorship, community work and sport.13 October 2025News
Always learning, always sharingUncle Charles ‘Chicka’ Madden reflects on 80-plus years serving his community.1 August 2025News
Standing up for culture and communityA proud story of connection and advocacy from Wiradjuri and Walbunja activist Jinny-Jane Smith.18 July 2025News
Weaving a way to knowledge and healingCommunity educator and traditional weaver Karleen Green shares her story.12 June 2025News
5 things you can discover in the City ArchivesWe keep more than one million records about Sydney dating from the 19th century. International Archives Week is the perfect time to explore them.10 June 2025News
8 ways to connect with First Nations cultures and communities Discover ways to engage with First Nations cultures this Reconciliation Week.21 May 2025News
Empowering women through educationDiscover how Dixie Link-Gordon’s life journey led to her work supporting women to be safe, healthy and strong.14 May 2025News
Hidden in plain sight: revealing the overlooked stories of Sydney’s inner suburbsShining a light on the untold stories of our local area.29 April 2025News
Sydney's lesser-known war memorialsSome quiet corners in our city carry the memory of Australians who served in the armed forces.7 July 2025
![MS Hill, City of Sydney, Birdseye Map, 1888 (03/09/1888), [A-01148878]. City of Sydney Archives, accessed 17 Apr 2025](https://images.ctfassets.net/kcmyw5u53voi/5lTYGbsSrK0SlA9wpNiA29/9761c8d9d4e8114cd9b0a2a498231953/A-01148878_page-0001.jpg?w=200)
History
Sydney is a vibrant city and it has an ancient heartbeat. Discover the rich, vivid history of Sydney from early Aboriginal life through to the modern global city.