David Earle Local Studies Collection
This Collection contains our comprehensively researched "vertical files", picture collections, books, maps, plans, reports, videos and family history databases. These resources are listed in the Library Catalogue and in the Heritage Databases. Here are guides to help get you started:
Researching people (226KB)
Researching maps and plans (256KB)
Researching local businesses (247KB)
Merle Coppell Oral History Collection
This Collection was established in the 1980s and comprises over 280 taped interviews with members of our local community. The interviews focus on a variety of topics ranging from domestic life to working on the foreshores of Berrys Bay. People have spoken of their memories of going to school, riding on trams, going shopping up the 'shore', visiting local doctors, working at Luna Park, the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and going to the pictures at the North Sydney Orpheum and the Union de Luxe. The collection is housed in the North Sydney Heritage Centre and can be accessed any time and all interviews are listed on the Library Catalogue.
North Sydney Council Archives
The North Sydney Council Archives collection, which dates from 1869 to the present, includes rate and valuation books, building registers, 1930s and 1940s building plans, correspondence files, minute books and maps and plans useful for conducting research into buildings and sites as well as North Sydney history in general. Prior appointment is recommended for viewing these archives. Click for a list of holdings. (288KB)
North Sydney Community Archives
The North Sydney Heritage Centre is the archival repository for the record collections from public institutions, private companies and individuals associated with North Sydney. Highlights include, art works and papers of Luna Park artist Arthur Barton and the Marion and Neil Shand Collection relating to May Gibbs. Prior appointment is recommended for viewing these archives. Click for a list of holdings. (282KB)