City of Sydney Archives

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City of Sydney Archives

• Municipal

The boundaries of the City of Sydney have changed over time and it has absorbed other municipalities. To view boundary changes over time see the Council Boundaries link from the Historical Atlas at https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pages/historicalatlas

Officer in charge: City Archivist

The City Archives is responsible for managing the archives of the City of Sydney’s operations since 1842 as well as those of absorbed councils. Some records created by elected officials are also held. The Archives also manages the Sydney Reference Collection: books and journals and information folders on aspects of Sydney City history, especially the built environment. We actively seek material for inclusion in the Sydney Reference Collection and welcome donations.

This City Archives also a collecting archive, acquiring information mainly about the Sydney local government area that can support and enhance our collection. For example, we partner with some community organisations such as the Sydney Festival and the Glebe Society and manage their archives on their behalf.

We hold more than 12,500 shelf metres of archives relating to the City of Sydney council and people, places and events within its local government area.

Our Archives and History Resources catalogue contains over 1 million items, including photographs, development and building files, maps and architectural drawings, letters, minutes and index cards and reference books and journals. Nearly half of the items available are digitised and able to be downloaded.

Some high use series of high interest to users include:

• AS-0017, Assessment books, 1845-1949
• AS-0051, Demolition photograph books, 1900-1939
• AS-0126, Building application plans, 1909- present
• AS-0034, Town Clerks' correspondence files, 1914-1978
• AS-0028, Town Clerks' correspondence folders, 1900-1913
• AS-0026, Letters received by the Council, 1842-1899

Open some week days by appointment. Contact the Archives for more information.

Advance notice (by email) of your research visit is required, so we can assess your document needs and arrange an appointment for you. Almost all original records are held offsite so we are unable to help people who arrive without an appointment. Prospective researchers are encouraged to explore the Archives & History Resources catalogue before their visit.

The City of Sydney Archives is wheelchair accessible.

General reference assistance available. The City of Sydney Archives has an active digitisation program with many heavily used series available through the online catalogue.

Revised 12 May 2021

• Built Environment (Thematic area)
• Local Studies (Thematic area)
• Politics and Government (Thematic area)
• Populations (Thematic area)