Heritage
Researching the History of Your Property
Many people who own an old house are interested in its history but are not sure of how to find out more information. Researching the history of a house can be interesting and often adds to the appeal of the place.
Council is often asked for historical information about various properties. While it does keep an inventory of its heritage items, it does not keep detailed histories of many properties. The following is a guide of where you might find out more information about your house.
Blacktown City Council Library Local Studies Collection
The Local Studies collection of the Max Webber Library is a good starting point for research on properties in the local area. The range of Local Studies resources available include:
- microfilmed copies of local newspapers
- books and serials that deal with local history or have local content
- vertical files of local studies material, including newspaper clippings, brochures, programmes etc.
- council archival records
- local church and school records
- maps
- photographs
- audio-visual material of local interest including video recordings of festivals and events
- oral history records.
The Local Studies Collection is housed at
- The Max Webber Library
Corner Flushcombe Road and Alpha Street,
Blacktown 2148
Ph 9839 6677
It might help to contact the Local Studies Librarian before your visit so that they can check what material is available and have it ready for you.
Local Historical Societies
Local historical societies often keep collections of photographs, drawings and newspaper articles relating to local history. They are usually happy to assist in research on a particular property. These organisations are usually run by volunteers so a donation towards the upkeep of their collections might be appreciated in return for their time.
Local Historical Societies in the Blacktown City Council
Previous Owners
If you know the names of previous owners or residents of a house, they might have more information about the place. A family photograph might have been taken on the front verandah or in the garden and can provide a good record of the property. Former residents are often able to recollect interesting stories relating to the house and remember when major changes were made.
Council Records
Please note that Blacktown City Council does not keep historical records at its offices. Some archival material is available in the Local Studies Collection of Blacktown City Library.
Land Titles Office
The Land Titles Office holds records for all legal land transactions in NSW. These records are about land, rather than buildings, but can be very useful in determining the chain of ownership of a property. This can provide clues to when a house was built.
It is advisable to contact the Land Titles Office prior to making a visit. Many documents are available only on microfilm and fees are charged to provide copies of documents. Inquiries should initially be directed to the Historical Officer, Ph. (02) 9228 6666.
Mitchell Library & State Library
The Mitchell Library (part of the State Library) has an extensive collection of historical photographs and manuscripts. Their collections include Small Picture Files with photographs of most towns and suburbs in New South Wales. These include useful references such as subdivision plans that provide information such as when a large property was broken up. This can give clues about the development of an area as well as providing information about the buildings that were on the site when it was subdivided.
Grevilles Directory (1872-1877), The NSW Post Office Directory (1887-1950) and the NSW Pastoral Directory are indexes that relate people to where they lived. Copies of these and other directories are available at the State Library.
The staff at the Mitchell Library are usually very helpful in providing guidance to the library's collection.