Welcome
Randwick and Distirct Historical Society has an unique collection of historical material related to the City of Randwick built up over 50 years by dedicated groups of volunteers. It covers the suburbs of Randwick, Clovelly, Coogee, Kensington, Kingsford, Maroubra, Malabar, Matraville and La Perouse.
The Society's rooms have modern research facilities available for people researching Randwick's people and places. Volunteers are available to assist visitors with their enquiries.
The Society is Open:
Tuesdays: 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Thursdays: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Saturdays: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Level 2, Bowen Library, 669 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035 (Lift access only to Level 2)
Saturday History Talks:
On the third Saturday afternoon of each month from February to November, the Society introduces a guest who gives a presentation on an interesting historical subject. Everyone is welcome. A gold coin donation for afternoon tea.
The talk is held in the Vonnie Young Auditorium, Level One, Bowen Library, 669 Anzac Pde Maroubra 2035. Lift access is available. The following speakers are listed for May, June and July:
Saturday 17th July - Dr Lesley Muir: The Garden Palace Fire - sifting through the ashes
Dr Muir will discuss devastating fire that destroyed the Garden Palace Pavillion in Sydney's Domain in September 1882. The building was an immense structure, 244m long with a central dome 64m high. It was designed by James Barnet, the Colonial Architect. The building was contructed to house the International Exhibition of 1979 and When the exhibition was over, the galleries were converted into a Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum, and the Department of Mines installed a permanent geological display. The building was also used as repository for the returns of the 1881 census. All these were destroyed when the Garden Palace burnt down in 1882.
