What’s on
Events
Various dates & times
Workshop
History Kids – Explore the House at Elizabeth Farm
Explore the house at Elizabeth Farm these summer holidays
70 Alice Street, Rosehill NSW 2142
Wednesday 8 January 10.30am–11.30am
Various dates & times
Workshop
History Kids – Explore Vaucluse House
Explore Vaucluse House these summer holidays
Wentworth Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Thursday 9 January 10.30am–11.30am
Film
Through a Blak Lens: The work, influences and legacy of Michael Riley
Join us for a film program that explores the contributions and influence of the late Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi artist Michael Riley (1960-2004)
Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Sunday 12 January 2pm–3.30pm
Workshop
Accessible History Kids
Join us for a tactile and sensory workshop where kids will discover what life was like at Elizabeth Farm 200 years ago.
70 Alice Street, Rosehill NSW 2142
Monday 13 January 9am–10.30am
Workshop
'My World' animation workshop with Studio Gilay
Discover the world of animation in this hands-on workshop for kids led by Studio Gilay
Corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Monday 20 January 10.30am–12.30pm
Tour
Members Hour: Elizabeth Farm
Members will be treated to a special tour with a focus on events around 26 January 1808, including the role John Macarthur played in the overthrow of Governor William Bligh
70 Alice Street, Rosehill NSW 2142
Saturday 25 January 9am–10am
Online talk
Settlers’ Muster Book 1800
Join us for a webinar led by Dr Carol Liston AO, Adjunct Associate Professor in History at Western Sydney University, who will explore the contents of the Settlers’ Muster Book 1800
Friday 31 January 10.30am–11.30am
Talk
A Lesson in Bold Design
Exploring the John and Phyllis Murphy Collection of historic wallpapers
The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Wednesday 5 February 6pm–7.30pm
Online talk
Murphy Wallpaper Collection
This webinar will illustrate the (perhaps surprising) riot of colour and pattern with which Australians decorated their homes in the 19th and early 20th centuries and will also consider what these wallpapers can tell us about the aspirations of Australian homeowners in the past
Friday 7 February 10.30am–11.30am
Various dates
Performance
Sonic Spaces
Sonic Spaces returns for 2025 with an exciting new series of music performances, held in one of the city’s most unique venues
Queens Square, Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000
Friday 7 February 6.30pm–7.30pm
Talk
An Appetite for History
Cookbooks and manuscript recipes from the 1830s to the 1970s
The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Wednesday 12 March 6pm–7.30pm
Tour
Sin City: Sydney Crime Stories
Visit real crime scenes from the past and hear the stories behind the crimes
Corner Albert and Phillip streets, Sydney NSW 2000
Sunday 23 March 10.30am–12.30pm
![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
Workshop
Bird Watching with the Sydney Bird Club
Join us for an inclusive bird watching tour that will explore the Vaucluse House Estate and Nielsen Park
Wentworth Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030
Sunday 30 March 10.30am–12pm
Event series
Sydney Open Series
Building on the Sydney Open program, this series offers talks, workshops, and tours throughout the year, with a focus on history, architecture, design innovation, sustainability, and heritage
HomeGrown Series
Exploring Australian homes, gardens and domestic life past and present through a rich and eclectic mix of workshops, tours and talks held in Museums of History NSW’s beautiful historic houses and gardens
Collections Series
Join our expert curators, archivists, researchers and conservators for talks, tours, viewings and discussions as they highlight some of our most fascinating collection material
On display
Featured display
Madjeri
Madjeri (pronounced mud-jer-ee) is the Dharawal word for canoe or small floating vessel
On display
Featured display
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
Permanent display
Alexander Riley, legendary Aboriginal police tracker
The remarkable talents of Aboriginal trackers who worked for NSW Police in the 20th century are featured in a display at the Justice & Police Museum
Permanent display
Healing land, remembering Country
A powerful work by Kuku Yalanji artist Tony Albert
Permanent display
Yura Nura: People & Country
Yura Nura: People & Country presents contemporary Aboriginal reflections on the history of Sydney and colonisation