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About State Archives catalogue

The State Archives catalogue is a powerful single search tool that provides access to the 1.9 million items in the State Archives Collection and the 1.7 million Online Index entries in the one place

Getting started with your research

Archives are the 'raw material of history'. The State archives document the business of government in New South Wales - and its interaction with people and groups in our society - from the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 until today

Handwriting – tips for reading handwritten documents

Reading and interpreting handwritten archival documents

Pre-order your Reading Room request

Make the most of your visit & pre-order your records in advance. Pre-ordering gives us time to process your requests & have the records ready before you arrive

Reading Room guide

Your responsibilities when using our facilities and how to handle original (uncopied) State archives. Our reading room staff are also on hand to provide expert and professional advice to help you get the most out of your visit.