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
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 2025News
On the road to justice: remembering the Freedom Ride Four photographs from the exhibition at 119 Redfern Street.12 February 2025News
Rare photos shine a light on prideThe people, parties and parades that made LGBTIQA+ Sydney from the disco era to the fight for marriage equality in the 21st century.25 November 2024News
How to mark Remembrance Day in Sydney Honouring the fallen and reflecting on the sacrifice of generations past.5 November 2024
![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.