Liverpool City Council’s Heritage, Library and Museum services are the custodians of a valuable collection of items that capture important moments from Liverpool’s past.
The collection can be searched online through Liverpool City Library’s catalogue.
12 charming views of the famous Hammondville Pioneer Homes Settlement, circa 1936. Set of 12 postcards on display at Liverpool Regional Museum for the exhibition Keeping with Care, 14 March – 12 August 2023. Photo © Ben Williams photography.
Liverpool Regional Museum’s Collection
Liverpool Regional Museum holds a collection of almost 28,000 items that share how people lived, worked, socialised and even went to war for more than a century.
The museum’s collection dates from early colonial times, spanning the first years of the 1800s to the present day.
The collection comprises a variety of mediums including ceramics, photographs, documents, textiles and mixed media compositions. It specialises in household and industrial objects.
Indigenous Australians are advised that the Collection may contain images or names of people now deceased.
Digitisation of the collection is ongoing. Donations of images and objects relating to Liverpool are always welcome. Items will be accepted at the discretion of the Heritage Services Team.
Customers will need to request access to Museum items in writing. Allow up to one week for retrieval. Some items will only be available for viewing under strict supervision, this is at the discretion of the Heritage Collections Team.
Using images from the History and Heritage Collection
If a photograph belongs to Liverpool City Library’s Heritage Collection, you can print, copy or download an image for private research or study purposes without asking for permission.
If you require a high-resolution copy, or if you wish to publish the image or use it commercially, please contact us.
Acknowledgement
When using images from the Museum Collection, we ask that you use the following acknowledgement:
Image courtesy of Liverpool City Council Heritage Collection.
Please ensure you attribute the photographer if known.
Copyright
Liverpool City Council may not hold copyright over images in our Collection. It is your responsibility to check the copyright status of material. If it is in copyright, you will need to seek permission from the copyright owner. Information on copyright is provided by the Australian Copyright Council.
Collection Policy
The Collection Policy was adopted in 2012 and aims to strategically enhance the depth and importance of the collection by approaching collecting in a manner that reflects the depth and breadth of Liverpool ‘s history. Access our Collection Policy.
Liverpool City Library’s Archives and Heritage Research Collection
Liverpool Library holds an important community history collection of published works and unique archival material written about the people and places of Liverpool.
Local history volumes produced by library staff, local historical societies and members of the Liverpool community can be searched using the Library Catalogue.
Original archival material, including photographs and other graphic material, can be searched in the Archives.
Please note, due to historical archival and collection management inconsistencies it is best to search across the full catalogue to locate archival and research materials.
Available Resources
There are a number of resources available for those interested in local studies.
- Liverpool Council Reports and Minutes (dates)
- LEP (Local Environment Plan)
- DCP (Development Control Plan)
- Monographs, Theses, Heritage Reports
- Maps, Plans and Real Estate Posters
- Manuscripts and Ephemera
- Oral Histories and Videos
- Photographs
- Newspapers and clippings
Much of the Library's collections can be found by searching either the:
For the Library’s Heritage archives and some research items that have not been digitised, customers will need to request access to in writing by lodging a Local Studies Enquiry Form. Please allow up to one week for retrieval. Some items will only be available for viewing under strict supervision.
Local Newspapers Collection
Liverpool Leader (1946-2020)
‘The Liverpool Leader’ newspaper was established in 1946. It was originally known as ‘The Leader’ until the 1950s when the newspaper also incorporated the ‘Liverpool Advance’. ‘The Liverpool Leader’ ceased publishing a printed version in March 2020 and is currently available as a digital version, part of the ‘The Daily Telegraph’ newspaper which is published by News Corp Australia.
Liverpool City Champion (1969-2022)
Printed 1969 to 2022, The Champion is part of Australian Community Media's Sydney suburban group. These titles are designed to provide local residents with specialised local news, sport, council information, entertainment and events, as well as product or service availabilities in their local area.
Other Local Newspapers
Other local newspapers from the Liverpool LGA include the Liverpool News (1837-1941), Liverpool Herald (1898-1907), The Leader (1946-1949), The Biz (1928-1972), Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrower’s Advocate (1888-1950), South West Advertiser (23 August 2011- 30 September 2015) and the Nepean Times (1882-1962).
Microfilm of national and local newspapers from the early 1800s are available at the Liverpool Regional Museum and Family History Centre.
- Liverpool Champion (1969 +)
- The Leader (1946 +)
- Cumberland Mercury (1875-1895)
Bound volumes of the Liverpool City Champion and Liverpool Leader (previously The Leader) are available at Liverpool City Library if there is no microfilm available.
- Liverpool Champion (1969 to present)
- Liverpool Leader (1956 to 2020, incomplete)
Digital editions of these newspapers are also available online. Digital newspapers can be found on Family History Databases.