The SDN Archive was established in 2002 to collect, maintain, research and promote the valuable and extensive collection of historical records, documents, photographs, teaching resources and toys amassed by SDN since its establishment in 1905.
It is the only one of its kind in the Australian and New Zealand early education sectors. The Archive provides an important community record of changing values and issues affecting children, families, child care and early childhood education. The collection also serves as an institutional place of memory which preserves the strategies, policies, programs, effects and ethos of SDN and its precursor organisations.
The development of the Archive has been greatly assisted through three Community Heritage Grants from the National Library of Australia; the microfilming of our executive records up to 1992 by the State Library of NSW; support of our oral histories program by the City of Sydney; and a grant from the Royal Australian Historical Society.
The Archive is located in the History Room at the Woolloomooloo Children’s Education and Care Centre, corner of McElhone Street and Reid Avenue, Woolloomooloo.
What does the Archive contain?
- A complete set of Annual Reports from 1905.
- Extensive minutes of executive meetings and nursery school branch meetings.
- Log books and teachers’ programming books.
- Oral histories from staff and committee members, with transcripts.
- Art works by young children in the 1960s and student teachers from the Nursery School Teachers College in the 1950s.
- Newspaper articles, photographs, and original deeds to properties.
- Children’s toys and books.
- Informative reports, photographs and curriculum materials relating to the specialised teacher training provided by the Nursery School Teachers’ College between 1935 and 1973.
How can items be donated to the Archive?
Persons wishing to contribute items to the SDN Archive should liaise with the staff of the History Room to discuss the historical value of the items and the process for donating them.
Please call 02 9360 2696 or email us to discuss the donation of items.
How can the Archive be accessed?
Requests to access items of interest in the SDN Archive are welcomed. Please call 02 9360 2696 to arrange a visit to The History Room or email us.
Why access the Archive?
The Archive can provide information about a wide range of people and topics including:
- The story of professionalism and the constant challenges involved in delivering a high-quality service to children and families.
- The plight of children in Sydney during the Depression and two world wars.
- The ongoing way volunteers have played a significant role in the running of the organisation since its inception.
- Some of the pioneering figures whose energies and determination have helped shape this organisation.
- The early teacher training provided at The Nursery School Teachers College, set up and run by SDN from 1935 to 1973, to provide staff for the centres.
- Changing curricula and developmental concerns over a century of operation.
- The role played by governments in providing subsidies and supporting long day care.
Who is responsible for the Archive?
The Archive and its contents are the property of SDN Children’s Services. The Archive is resourced by a small and energetic team of staff and volunteers.
For further information email us.
