Filter by

Unveil Sydney’s vibrant past during History Week

Explore laser-cut workshops, captivating podcasts, the history of the Uluru Statement of the Heart and over 100 years of stories.

It’s every history buff’s favourite time of year! The annual history festival is back and this year’s theme is Voices from the Past.

Here’s our top things to do for 2023.

Using the City of Sydney's oral history collection

Explore the City of Sydney oral history collection

The City of Sydney’s history team has been conducting interviews since the 1980s as a part of a vigorous program of publication, research, websites and exhibitions. In this talk, City of Sydney historian Laila Ellmoos will talk about some of the highlights in the collection, as well as the different ways the public use oral history testimony, including in radio programs, exhibitions and geo-locative apps.

Tuesday 5 September
Book now

Laser-cut printmaking from the archives

Make a laser-cut print from the archives photographic collection

Led by experienced facilitators in the Darling Square Library makerspace and a City archivist, this workshop is a great introduction to laser-cut printmaking and the City of Sydney Archives.

You’ll be guided to access historical images and make a laser-cut etching plate. Once you’re happy with your final design, we’ll help you print it on our small press and you can take your creation home.

Thursday 7 September
Book Now

The Great Strike of 1917

Listen to a podcast about the Great Strike of 1917

The year 2017 marked the centenary of the Great Strike of 1917, one of Australia’s largest industrial disputes. It took place against the backdrop of World War I and the conscription debates. This was an era of unprecedented social and political upheaval, exacerbated by the war, changing social values and world events including the Russian revolution.

Listen to the podcast

Heavy traffic crossing Pyrmont Bridge Sydney, 1904. City of Sydney Archives A-00006231

Take a stroll through history using the Sydney Culture Walks app

Our Port walk through Pyrmont and Serenade walk in Darlinghurst will take you back in time to see the suburbs in a new light. Both walks feature audio snippets to further immerse you in the experience.

Download the Culture Walks app for free.

Uluru Statement of the Heart

Learn about the history of the Uluru Statement from the Heart

Educate yourself about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and how a Voice to Parliament will improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Learn more

Want more?

Find more history events at What’s On.