The NSW State Archives Collection documents the daily work of the NSW Government and its agencies from 1788 to today. This vast collection records history as it happens, providing valuable and at times life-changing evidence of events and decisions that have shaped, and continue to shape, our history, communities and lives.

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Old books stored upright on shelving

About the State Archives Collection

The NSW State Archives Collection documents the daily work of the NSW Government and its agencies from 1788 to today

Old books both upright and laying flat on shelving

How to use the State Archives Collection

The largest collection of records relating to the history of NSW and the lives of its people

Black and white photo of clerks working at desks in an office, surrounded by large ledgers and pigeon holes and paperwork.

Ask an Archivist

We’re here to help you access and use our collection

NSW State Archives - Western Sydney Records Centre, 161 O'Connell Street, Kingswood, Sydney Open 2022

Plan your visit

State Archives Reading Room, Kingswood

Stories and articles

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Plans of the Botanic Gardens in 1833, 1867 and 1914.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

We hold a number of records relating to the two-hundred year history of the Royal Botanic Gardens

Fireworks above the Opera House on the night of the official opening, before the commencement of the opening concert. October 20th 1973.

Opening of the Sydney Opera House

The Opera House was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 20 October 1973. This was followed by a two-week festival of events

Still from My Handy Kitchen

My Handy Kitchen, c.1950-55

In this film a woman discusses and demonstrates the features of her up-to-date kitchen

building plan from the Broken Hill Public School file

Schools: what the files can tell you

School files very strongly reflect the growth or decline of towns and are an excellent source for your local history research