Museums of History NSW

04/06/2026

Looking for some winter fashion inspo?❄️

These photographs were snapped on the streets of Martin Place in Sydney during 1950.

They’re from an archive of more than 5000 black-and-white 35mm negatives captured by Ikon Studio, a Sydney photography studio that operated during the late 1940s and 1950s.

Read more about this incredible archive of street photographs in the Caroline Simpson Library Collection: mhnsw.au/stories/general/ikon-studio-archive/

02/06/2026

Sometimes, rubbish is an archaeologist’s treasure! 
 
Like this small discarded seal from a wine bottle, unearthed during excavations at the site of Australia’s first Government House. It reveals everything from the tastes of those who lived there to the vast imperial trade networks that connected Sydney to the wider world. 
 
‘Unearthed’ is a fascinating archaeology exhibition on now at the Museum of Sydney. Come and see for yourself how even the most ordinary objects have extraordinary stories to tell.

Free entry. Plan your visit 🔗

02/06/2026

Last week, we hosted a full-day seminar on early colonial records at Western Sydney Records Centre.

Attendees heard from experts – including Adjunct Associate Professor Carol Liston AO, Gary Sturgess AM, Dr Terry Kass, Bonnie Wildie and Michael Flynn – on topics like female convicts, land records, shipping and the records of the Colonial Secretary.

They also had the rare chance to see original records on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Western Sydney Records Centre.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this fascinating day of discussion and discovery in the archives!

Interested in learning more about the State Archives Collection? Our next full-day seminar on Friday 7 August will feature a series of expert talks on birth, death and marriage records and a behind-the-scenes tour. Learn more and book: mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/vital-records-tracing-births-deaths-marriages-nsw/

📷1&3. Adjunct Associate Professor Carol Liston AO speaking about convict women. 2. Behind the scenes in the archives. © Museums of History NSW

01/06/2026

‘The theme of this year’s Reconciliation Week is ‘All In’, and Reconciliation Australia reminds us that reconciliation is ‘not a spectator sport’. For those of us engaged in the important work of sharing stories, this call to action feels especially significant.

Museums are uniquely positioned to reframe history, amplify First Nations voices and contribute with intention to the ongoing pursuit of justice.’

Learning Producer Lucy Melville shares her reflections on a recent visit to Shaws Creek Aboriginal Place in Yarramundi, Western Sydney, alongside fellow Museums of History NSW staff: mhnsw.au/news/all-in-at-the-on-country-experience/

📷Trupti Mistry © Museums of History NSW

29/05/2026

Join us for Firestick 3 ✨ Runway Country on 18 June!

A conversation exploring First Nations identity, creativity and representation in the fashion industry.

Hear from fashion trailblazer Nathan McGuire – a proud Whadjuk Noongar man, model and founder of 'Mob in Fashion' .

After the event, continue the conversation in The Mint courtyard with refreshments. Free event, registration recommended.

Firestick 3: Runway Country
📍The Mint
📅 Thursday 18 June, 6pm
🎟️Book now: mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/firestick/

29/05/2026

On now at Elizabeth Bay House, ‘Treading Feintly’ features select pieces from Nicol & Ford's Australian Fashion Week 2026 runway collection, inspired by the work of artist Adrian Feint (1894–1971).

This recent article in QNews explores the exhibition, Feint’s artistic legacy and how these pieces are redefining the idea of 'camp' . Read it here: qnews.com.au/nicol-ford-treading-feintly-exhibition-interview/

QNews LGBTIQA+ News

28/05/2026

This afternoon, over 9,000 primary school students, teachers and presenters joined our virtual learning event ‘Reconciliation Through First Nations Languages’ for .

Presented in collaboration with Parliament of NSW the session explored the important role Aboriginal Languages play in Culture, identity, storytelling and reconciliation.

Students also discovered how Community-led projects like those led by the First Nations Community Access to Archives team are supporting Language revitalisation across NSW and strengthening connections with First Nations Communities.

From learning all about the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 to exploring examples of Language and Culture in the NSW State Archives Collection and taking part in a creative message stick activity, students reflected on reconciliation and engaged thoughtfully with this year’s theme, ‘All In’.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a meaningful afternoon of learning, discussion and reflection!

27/05/2026

Introducing House/Music

This winter, our historic houses and museums become the backdrop for a series of intimate live music performances.

Slow down, listen deeply and immerse yourself in sound with a curated line-up of Australian and international artists performing inside some of Sydney’s most historic spaces.

◌ loscil at Hyde Park Barracks – 19 June
◌ Andrew Tuttle and Darren Cross at The Mint – 3 July
◌ claire rousay at Elizabeth Bay House – 17 July
◌ Believe at Justice & Police Museum – 31 July
◌ Wytchings at Elizabeth Farm – 14 August
◌ Hilary Geddes Quartet at Justice & Police Museum – 28 August

Learn more and grab tickets: mhnsw.au/whats-on/events/house-music/

From June to August, we’re transforming our historic houses and museum spaces through a series of intimate and diverse live music experiences

26/05/2026

Content Warning: this video contains material which may be culturally sensitive, including images of First Nations people who may have passed away and references to historical events which may cause distress.

Today is , an annual day of remembrance for the thousands of First Nations people who, as children, were forcibly removed from their families and communities, and who later became known as the Stolen Generations. 26 May also marks the anniversary of the tabling of the landmark 1997 ‘Bringing Them Home’ report in the Australian Parliament.

A key recommendation of the report was improving access to government records – like the NSW State Archives Collection – which hold vital information and histories.

As the caretakers of the State Archives Collection and other significant objects and heritage sites that document the history of colonisation, Museums of History NSW has a responsibility to support truth-telling by caring for, providing access to, and interpreting this material and these places with sensitivity.

We share a video of artist speaking about his artwork ‘Truism Australia’, created in response to a photograph from the State Archives Collection.

Published in ‘Dawn’ Magazine in 1958, the image depicts three First Nations brothers being removed from their families and communities.

Today, and every day, we reflect on the lasting ​impacts of the Stolen Generations and honour the strength, resilience and stories of survivors, their families and descendants.

25/05/2026

What an incredible two days! 👏

This weekend, we brought Australia’s architecture enthusiasts and industry leaders together for Sydney Open Symposium Home Truths.

On Saturday at Ilumina Sydney, leading voices in architecture, design and the built environment unpacked the big issues facing housing today, from urban density and planning to sustainability, innovative materials and more liveable communities.

On Sunday, you had a chance to peek inside some of Sydney’s most remarkable homes, exploring compact and clever spaces, adaptive reuse, striking material choices and beautifully considered interiors.

A huge thank you to our speakers, partners and everyone who joined us for such an energising program of ideas 🧡

Next up on the Sydney Open calendar is Parramatta Open on 29 August! Get ready to discover exceptional buildings and unique architectural spaces across Parramatta. Tickets available soon.

Sydney Open Symposium Home Truths was made possible thanks to the support of our wonderful partners:
Principal partners: NSW Architects Registration Board and Government Architect NSW
Presenting partner: 1 Elizabeth Sydney and Macquarie Group

📷© Coastal Creatives for Museums of History NSW