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Become a member
For exclusive Member events and experiences plus a range of year round benefits
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Unearthed
Between 1983 and 1991, archaeologists excavated one of the most contested blocks of land in Sydney – the site of Australia’s first Government House
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Unearthed
Between 1983 and 1991, archaeologists excavated one of the most contested blocks of land in Sydney – the site of Australia’s first Government House
More
Collections
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Caroline Simpson Library Collection
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Collections on Tour
We're on the road again, sharing our stories with the people of regional NSW
Read on
Collections on Tour
We're on the road again, sharing our stories with the people of regional NSW
Read on
Learning
Explore the past and imagine the future through immersive and interactive programs and resources, onsite and online
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Learning
Discover past lives, events and stories in the places where they actually unfolded
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Learning
Discover past lives, events and stories in the places where they actually unfolded
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First Nations Hub
A dedicated space for First Nations community, cultures and history
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First Nations stories
Alexander Riley, legendary Aboriginal police tracker
The remarkable talents of Aboriginal trackers who worked for NSW Police in the 20th century are featured in a display at the Justice & Police Museum
Read on
Alexander Riley, legendary Aboriginal police tracker
The remarkable talents of Aboriginal trackers who worked for NSW Police in the 20th century are featured in a display at the Justice & Police Museum
Read on
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Stitching for our house museums
For almost 15 years, a dedicated group of volunteers has gathered to sew, crochet, knit, embroider and stuff historically authentic soft furnishings for our houses
Read more
Stitching for our house museums
For almost 15 years, a dedicated group of volunteers has gathered to sew, crochet, knit, embroider and stuff historically authentic soft furnishings for our houses
Read more
Stories
There’s no limit to the stories our houses, museums and collections can tell
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Popular topics
Archaeology
Architecture & design
Collections
Conservation
Convict Sydney
First Fleet
First Nations
Music
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Regional NSW
Sydney Opera House
Underworld of the Roaring 20s
Women's stories
Archaeology of the first Government House
Archaeological excavations on the site of Australia’s first Government House – built for Governor Arthur Phillip on Gadigal Country in 1788–89 – during the 1980s and 90s uncovered the foundations along with approximately 140,000 artefacts
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Archaeology of the first Government House
Archaeological excavations on the site of Australia’s first Government House – built for Governor Arthur Phillip on Gadigal Country in 1788–89 – during the 1980s and 90s uncovered the foundations along with approximately 140,000 artefacts
More
Venue hire
From magnificent colonial style buildings to iconic modern designed spaces, we have a venue ready for you
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Be inspired
Unique and spectacular spaces for your next event or occasion
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Be inspired
Unique and spectacular spaces for your next event or occasion
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Government services
Information and resources for managing, storing and transferring government records 
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Government Records Repository
Manage your records with GRR
GRRWeb
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Visit the State Records NSW website

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Caroline Simpson Library

Special event

Dream Feast – Vivid Food

Activate your senses at Dream Feast, a communal dining experience where food, music, moving image and history come together in the historic and atmospheric surrounds of The Mint in Sydney for Vivid Food 2026

Tuesday 2 June 6pm–8.45pm

The mysterious O.S.B.

One item in the Caroline Simpson Library Collection has been capturing our attention recently: a beautifully illustrated catalogue of electric light fittings, identified only by a mysterious insignia on the cover – the initials ‘O.S.B.’

Rustic adornment: design imitating nature

Rustic design style evokes nature by imitating organic forms such as tree branches, flowers and animals, and incorporates natural textures like wood and stone

Online talk

Catalogues of Lost Dreams

House contents have been sold by auction in Sydney for over 200 years. Discover the gossip behind these sales and view auction catalogues

Friday 31 July 10.30am–11.30am

Featured display

A Century of Paint Colour Charts: 1880–1980

Contemporary interiors seem to reject colour in favour of ‘greige’, off-whites, and neutrals. Yet for many centuries the choice and concentration of colour for the decoration of interiors reflected wealth, status, and fashion

Monday 2 March 4.30pm–invalid datetime

Creatives selected for inaugural Caroline Simpson Library Creative Residency

Two creatives selected for the inaugural Caroline Simpson Library Creative Residency program

Reading Room