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
How to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2021 onlineEnjoy art, performance, talks and shopping in the comfort and safety of your home.5 July 2021News
In pictures: Easter in Sydney over the yearsPhotos from the City of Sydney archives show how our city celebrated in time gone by.29 March 2021News
Oxford Street: A history from track to high streetFrom bush track to a high street with a heart, the strip beats with special resonance for Sydneysiders.26 October 2020News
Gold rush: Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games 20th anniversariesWhen our city hosted nearly 11,000 athletes from 199 countries.15 September 2020News
6 online jigsaw puzzles using City of Sydney archive photosTake a moment to relax and explore the city from a different perspective.6 May 2020News
Hidden treasures in free archives websiteThe City’s online records portal includes over 1 million items, with almost half available to download.8 April 2020News
Step back in time and see Sydney as it once wasRevisit Sydney’s past at History Week through a series of free events.19 August 2019News
In pictures: the stories behind significant Aboriginal organisationsGo behind-the-scenes to learn about important services that began in Redfern.27 June 2019News
The many eras of Dyuralya SquareTrace the history through wetlands, industry and market gardens.21 March 2019News
Sydney past and present in 13 glorious mapsFrom finding an easy bike route to tracking sharks, maps continue to be popular and important. Find the hidden detail in these representations of Sydney.12 March 2019
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.