Observing Living History
2 April - 2 June, National Trust Centre Observatory Hill
Mon - Friday 9:30 - 5pm
FREE ENTRY

Freeman Bros + Prout 1864 – original prints prints held by State Library of NSW.
Christopher Shain 2008. Digital post production Leo Carol

Click here to see coverage in Sydney Morning Herald

A seminal moment in the rich and colourful history of Sydney happened in the 1970s, when the Builders Labourers Federation, with the support of the National Trust of Australia (NSW), imposed green bans on The Rocks to prevent it from being demolished. This moment in history, and many others, are featured in Observing Living History, an exhibition of images and artefacts that brings to life the vital role of Observatory Hill and its environs in the history and development of Sydney.

Observing Living History includes archival video footage documenting the effects of the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on local residents and the green bans of the 1970s. The exhibition is sponsored by the City of Sydney, with assistance from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

Also on display are images which highlight the variety of functions Observatory Hill has served
during the past 200 years. Observing Living History includes photographs of the Fort Street Girls School in the 19th and 20th centuries, along with panoramic images of the City of Sydney from the top of Sydney Observatory.

Modern images which highlight the changes that have occurred to Observatory Hill, The Rocks, and Millers Point are included in the exhibition, as are relevant artefacts from the Trust’s own collection.

The exhibition will run throughout the National Trust Festival in April and until 2 June. For more information contact National Trust Media:
Annemarie Jonson - 0428 278 880
Kathy Scott - 0415 764 159