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Our history and heritage
Explore the people and places that make Sydney
67 posts in Our history and heritage
Glebe's groundbreaking shelter Elsie Women’s Refuge turns 50
Local female activists reflect on a powerful feminist moment in the city’s past as we mark International Women’s Day
A Torres Strait Islander Elder shares her story
Language, dance and legacy: Joyce Wymarra’s journey from Badu to Glebe.
In pictures: Sydney’s public restrooms in the early 1900s
To celebrate World Toilet Day, we step back a century to explore the early days of public sanitation in our area.
We keep the ball in motion
Young Redfern All Blacks players, Jonathan Silva and Shyla Miller-Mundine, on championing togetherness in Australia's oldest Aboriginal rugby league club.
The Sydney Opera House turns 50
Jan Utzon’s iconic creation turns 50 this month, so we’ve dived into the City of Sydney archives to look at the history of Sydney’s most recognised building.
Support and nurture through culture and dance
Jodie Welsh, founder and artistic director of Brolga Dance Academy, looks back at the building blocks of her life.
Why vote Yes in the referendum
Vote Yes to recognise Indigenous Australians in the constitution, listen to their voices about decisions that affect them, and make a practical difference.
I call myself a story catcher
Michelle Blakeney looks back at her childhood and the importance of documenting her people.
Voice to Parliament: Your guide to resources about the referendum
Learn more about the referendum before you vote on Saturday 14 October
Growing up on The Block
Lindsay Williams looks back on the strong Aboriginal community created in Redfern.
5 things you can discover in the City Archives
We keep more than 1 million records about Sydney dating from the 19th century onwards. International Archives Day is the perfect time to explore them.
8 ways to connect with First Nations cultures and communities
Make an impact beyond National Reconciliation Week
Why we support a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution
The City of Sydney has supported the long campaign for the Australian constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
A council at war: World War 1 in Sydney
As we commemorate Anzac Day, we look in our archives to explore the involvement of Sydney Municipal Council in World War 1 and the war’s aftermath.
Coloured Diggers March: making Anzac Day a celebration for all
Find out more about this annual event recognising First Nations service personnel.
The first Mardi Gras was a riot
How the love that dared not speak its name found its voice.
8 Sydney Santas from the past
Sydney Santas weren’t always jolly. Many of them were eccentric, grumpy and others downright scary!
Learn about Sydney’s Aboriginal history as you walk Country
Markers highlight significant people and places along the harbour foreshore.
In pictures: Queen Elizabeth II in Sydney
To mark the passing of Her Royal Highness, we look back at her visits to our city.
‘Old, insanitary and ruinous’: Historic photos reveal demolished Sydney
The changing face of the city captured from 1900 to 1931.
4 fast facts about Sydney’s aldermen
As elected officials, they acted as the intermediary between the public and local government, representing residents and ratepayers.
Celebrating World Letter Writing Day: Notes from the City of Sydney Archives
Explore the stories and beauty of decorative 19th and early 20th century requests, demands and complaints.
In pictures: Crown Street through the centuries
As we plan a future transformation for Crown Street, see how the route evolved over 200 years.
Historic Haymarket landmark returned to its former glory
Learn more about the restoration of the heritage-listed Corporation Building and how it serviced Sydney’s markets.
In pictures: Sydney playgrounds in the 20th century
Did you know that playgrounds weren't a thing before the 1930s? Swings and slippery dips represent a shift in how society saw kids and their place in the world.
Explore the Hall of Service at the Anzac Memorial
Hidden underground, this space contains the stories of World War I enlistees from across NSW.
10 ways to step back in time this Heritage Festival
Immerse yourself in a world of curiosity until 31 May.
In pictures: Celebrating 91 years of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Explore the landmark that has shaped the physical and social landscape of our city.
The most intriguing donations to our archive in 2021
As a new year begins, we take a look at some interesting additions to our collection.
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