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A Generous Gift: The John and Phyllis Murphy Collection
Our current library display features an array of colourful and evocative historical wallpapers from the John and Phyllis Murphy Collection
Tuesday 29 October
Murphy Wallpaper Collection
The recent donation to the Caroline Simpson Library of thousands of wallpapers in the John and Phyllis Murphy Collection means that Museums of History NSW now has the largest holding of historical wallpapers in Australia
Talk
An Appetite for History
Cookbooks and manuscript recipes from the 1830s to the 1970s
Wednesday 12 March 6pm–7.30pm
Wallpaper
Wallpaper printing rollers: from machine printing to 3D capture
In December 2022, Phyllis Murphy AM generously donated to the Caroline Simpson Library more than 3,000 wallpaper samples. While the bulk of the donation consists of wallpaper rolls, lengths and sample books, it also includes two printing rollers
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Exploring the archaeology of the first Government House
Donors joined Dr Aaron De Souza, Research Manager at Museums of History NSW, for a fascinating bespoke talk and behind-the-scenes viewing of a selection of the more than 140,000 archaeological finds from the site of Australia’s first Government House
![Alexander Mackintosh Archive :
architectural plans and specifications, 1901-ca.1921: Waterhouse & Lake : architectural plans and specifications, 1909-1924 / B.J. Waterhouse & J.W. Lake [architectural drawing]](https://images.mhnsw.au/fotoweb/embed/2024/12/41b04e66f26c41e0a8a932bedad1490a.jpg)
The Alexander Mackintosh Archive: revealing records of a master builder
Forgotten for decades, the archive of building contractor Alexander Mackintosh was rediscovered in a roof space in the 1990s. It includes more than 270 architectural drawings and reveals information about the work of many of Sydney’s leading architects of the early 20th century
![Cover label Small debts registers [Newcastle Court of Petty Sessions]](https://images.mhnsw.au/fotoweb/embed/2024/12/4ba709e2a1c2428bb82ee7470b3cd642.jpg)
Online talk
Small Debts Registers
This webinar will explore the newly indexed and digitised Small Debt Registers held in the NSW State Archives Collection, and how they can highlight the history of NSW local communities
Friday 28 March 10.30am–11.30am
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New insights from an old photograph
A recent acquisition for the Caroline Simpson Library captures a rare view of the long-demolished southern range of the Hyde Park Barracks