Historic Houses Trust

I love going into museums, and the older they are, and the more historical and cultural value they contain as ‘places,’ the better. You see, sometimes it’s not all about what these buildings house, it’s also a matter of the buildings themselves, and there are some wonderful stories waiting to be told.

Some of these stories are to be found within the 14 sites that are cared for by The Historic Houses Trust, and your search should start with their website at http://www.hht.net.au/.

The website will lead you to information and links to magnificent houses with beautiful colonial architecture, Australia’s oldest European building, the home of four generations of women, a harbourside estate and so much more.

The Historic Houses Trust was created with the aim of conserving and managing places of historical and cultural importance in Australia. A statutory authority that falls under Communities NSW, it was established in 1980.

The Trust believes in museums being a part “current debates in the community, open to new ideas as much as they are the repositories of important collections and the memories of the community.” I find this a refreshing view, and a most progressive one at that. Museums are not always about looking back and savouring nostalgia; as much we enjoy and celebrate our past, it is also important to engage with contemporary audiences and make the past the base of a new conversation and a new direction. That, to me, is how the past evolves to enrich our lives.

Participating museums and houses of the Trust include Elizabeth Bay House, Meroogal, Elizabeth Farm, Government House, Justice and Police Museum, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Museum of Sydney, Rose Seidler House, Rouse Hill House and Farm, Susannah Place Museum, The Mint and Vaucluse House. There is a link to the website of each of these sites for you to explore things in more detail.

Each museum has its own array of programs and activities, designed around their valuable collections and histories. Lending invaluable support to all events are volunteers, who are key to raising awareness about these properties.

Some of the museums are also open as venues for weddings, ceremonies, seminars, conferences, private dinners, cocktail parties, filming and photographic purposes, and other special events. The next time you are looking for a venue that is uniquely Australian, this might offer a few options.

The website itself is easy to navigate and comprehensive. It’s also your gateway to discovering Sydney itself, so let the journey begin...

Images © http://www.hht.net.au/