Enquiries | Parramatta History and Heritage

Local Studies and Family History

The Parramatta History and Heritage website provides a general introduction to the Parramatta area as well as research and primary resources relating to Parramatta and the broader Western Sydney. If you have something you would like to know and can’t find it on our website, ask us a question using the enquiry form.

Please note the Local Studies collection is located at level 2 of Parramatta Library, which is located at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square.

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9am – 8pm
Friday to Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Closed Public Holidays

Please email localstudies@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au to make an appointment and give 5 working days' notice.

Our Postal Address is: P O Box 32, Parramatta, 2150

Appointments are recommended for the purposes of family history and local studies research. To arrange an appointment please send an email localstudies@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

Please note: The Research team provides up to 1 hour of research for each individual Information request. For requests that may take longer than this time please refer to our fees and charges (Page 11, 2.1 and 2.2), there is a maximum of 5 enquiries per individual per calendar year. Please note due to staffing levels there is a 20 working day turnaround time for each request.

Heritage Collections Services

Our Heritage Collections comprise Heritage Archives and Cultural Collections - Explore our collection here

The Heritage Archives is an invaluable resource of unique records that form the corporate memory of our city, and document the cultural heritage of the community. The Council Archives collection holds historical records created by or for the City of Parramatta Council and its precursors. The Community Archives collection holds records created or gathered by individuals and community groups within the Parramatta Local Government Area.

The Cultural Collections contains approximately 100,000 objects and is comprised of four sub-collections; Archaeology, Culturally Significant Objects, Civic & Ceremonial, and Artworks. This diverse collection of objects and knowledge shares the history and heritage of our city, highlighting significant places, people, and events from Paramatta's past and present.

We aim to respond to enquiries and requests to access material from our Heritage Collections within 10 working days.

If you are contacting us to offer a donation of material for the Archives or Cultural Collections, please refer to the information here.

Please email parramattacollections@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au for all enquiries relating to our Heritage Archives or Cultural Collections.

Enquiries

Quick Questions

Who owns the copyright to the Research Library’s photographic collection?

The Research Library's photographic collection is out of copyright

Is the Library able to value an object such as an old book?

We do not provide a valuation service. Visit the Australian Government Cultural Gifts Program for a list of approved valuers here: https://www.arts.gov.au/documents/list-approved-valuers-cultural-gifts-program.

Disclaimer: The Library does not accept responsibility for any aspect of their work or for any fees incurred

Can the Library do extensive or ongoing research for me?

No we are not able to do extensive or ongoing research. You can employ a professional researcher from organisations such as:

Professional Historians Association NSW

Society of Australian Genealogists

Do you offer scanning services?

Yes. We offer self-service scanning with our multifunctional photocopier/printing device. Scanning is free of charge. Simply bring in your USB or ask our staff to temporarily borrow one.

The book's location is listed Local Studies Stack. What does this mean?

The Research Library's stack collection is a storage facility located downstairs in the cultural collections where we place books that are not frequently used or are duplicates.

How much does it cost to photocopy?

20 cents per A4 single sided black and white sheet

40 cents per A3 single sided black and white sheet

$2.00 per A4 single sided coloured sheet

$4.00 per A3 single sided coloured sheet

Can I use Ancestry Library Edition from home?

No. Due to our licensing agreement, access to Ancestry Library edition is restricted to on-premises use only at the Parramatta Heritage Centre Research Library.

Can I borrow books from the Research Library?

No. We are a reference library. All our books and resources are 'not for loan' to the public. We do offer photocopying and scanning facilities as an alternative

I’ve requested some books from the Library’s stack collection. When will I be able to access it?

To access books from our stack collection, please contact the Library in advance to set up an appointment during business operating hours.