An Appetite for History

Cookbooks and manuscript recipes from the 1830s to the 1970s

Stimulate your appetite for history with Curator Dr Jacqui Newling and explore the range of cookery books and handwritten recipes in Museums of History NSW collections. Some are extremely rare, others are bespoke and one-of-a-kind, and each reflects the needs and aspirations of their authors and owners.

Join us as we delve into this culinary archive, drawn from the Caroline Simpson Library and four historic house collections – Meroogal, Rose Seidler House, Rouse Hill Estate and Susannah Place. Discover the people who wrote and cooked from these books and compilations – their time, place and social circumstances, and in some cases, their kitchens. Collectively, these sources show changes in tastes and technology, allowing us to reflect on the ways we consume and share culinary knowledge, develop skills and shape our tastes today.

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Close-up on a wallpaper laid out ready for digitisation, Museums Discovery Centre

Collections Series

The MHNSW Collection Series explores the many stories of home, garden, history and life celebrated in these expansive and diverse collections

The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Caroline Simpson Library

The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
  • Cafe
  • Wheelchair accessible
Plan your visit
  • Wednesday 12 March 6pm–7.30pm

More recipes

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Jar of jam / preserve with spoon and rustic bread on wooden board in kitchen at Vaucluse House

History with flavour

Good food and generous hospitality were part of the rhythms of domestic life at Rouse Hill House. A collection of cookbooks and handwritten recipes accumulated over more than a hundred years remains in the house, and provides a taste of the family’s culinary repertoire through times of boom and bust

[Mrs Beeton's Cookery Book], circa 1880

Rouse Hill recipes

Through most of the nineteenth century, Rouse Hill House was the social hub of the district and the Rouse family regularly played host to many events

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Cook & Curator

Translating tastes: the Rose Seidler recipe collection

Recently translated from the original German, recipes kept by Rose Seidler provide valuable insight into her culinary heritage and Austrian identity

Cook & Curator

Eier auf Florentiner Art (Eggs Florentine)

This classic recipe is simple to make yet rich and flavoursome. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a light supper