NSW History Week returns

NSW History Week returns from Saturday 5 September to Sunday 13 September 2026, bringing together events held across the state under this year’s theme, “Keeping Stories.” The program moves history out of the archives and into the public eye, with talks, lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, heritage trails and exhibitions designed to bring the past to life.

Working Harbour: Early Industrial Heritage from the Water

Presented by: Australian National Maritime Museum, in partnership with Sydney Heritage Fleet
Heritage vessel cruise on Sydney Harbour. Talks on the people, industries and waterways connected to Sydney’s maritime and industrial history
Tickets: Eventbrite

The Stories of Us: Researching Family History in the NSW State Archives Collection

Date/time: Wednesday 9 September, 10am–12pm
Location: State Archives Reading Room, 161 O’Connell Street, Kingswood
Cost: Free (registration required)
Talk by NSW State Archives archivists on researching family history, including convict-era arrivals and information found in court and divorce records. Optional behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Western Sydney Records Centre follows (reasonable fitness level required)
Registration: mhnsw.au

Leaving Only Memories: The Loss of Burdekin House (Tour)

Date/time: Friday 11 September, 10.30am–11.30am
Location: Caroline Simpson Library, The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Cost: Free (registration required)
Guide: Mel Flyte, MHNSW Collection Discovery Assistant
Burdekin House was built in 1841 on Macquarie Street for merchant Thomas Burdekin and was regarded as a notable example of colonial architecture. It was demolished in 1933, an event that contributed to the growth of the NSW heritage movement and the preservation of sites including the Hyde Park Barracks and The Mint. Tour of architectural remnants, artworks and photographs of the house.
Registration: mhnsw.au

Contested Ground: What Do We Do Now? (Panel Discussion)

Date/time: Wednesday 9 September, 6pm–7pm
Location: Museum of Sydney
Cost: Free (registration required)
Presented by: Museums of History NSW, as part of History Week
A panel of archaeologists discussing policies for protecting archaeological artefacts uncovered during urban development, questions of who determines their value and future, and responsibility for their preservation and management.
Registration: mhnsw.au

Full event listings are available through Museums of History NSW.