Heritage Centre
The RAS Heritage Centre tells the story of the RAS since it was founded in 1822. Its unique collection of documents, books, images and reports also provides insight into the history of Australia and the development of agriculture since the early days of European settlement. While the Heritage Centre is a precious in-house resource, the RAS is proud to make it available to researchers and members of the public.
The Archives
The administrative records of the RAS date back to its inception in 1822. These records cover the Society's many facets, including the Royal Easter Show and the competitions, conferences and publications through which the RAS promotes excellence in agriculture. The Heritage Centre also preserves the records of many Breed Societies and is increasingly becoming a repository for other agriculture-related collections. It holds an extensive collection of photographs, ephemera, perpetual trophies and medallions.
The Library
The specialist reference library dates back to 1822 and contains a wide range of agricultural-related texts including:
. Flock and herd books
. Catalogues, marked and unmarked
. Historical texts relating to animal breeds
. Histories of breeds and breed societies
. History of agricultural and pastoral NSW
Adding to the Centre
The Heritage Centre’s collection is constantly growing through acquisitions from Society and Council members, Show visitors and other interested parties. These donations are the life-blood of the Heritage Centre, which offers climate-controlled storage and professional staff to preserve its treasures. As a true archive, further records created by the Society are added to the Centre’s collection year by year.
Online Resources
Research Services
The Heritage Centre is open to the public weekdays between 9am and 5pm. Before you visit, contact the Heritage Centre Manager at the address below so that Centre staff can help you find what you’re looking for. The RAS research service provides 30 minutes of staff time free (one hour for RAS Members). Moderate charges apply if further research is needed. Fees apply for photocopying and copying photographs.
Contact
Karen Finch
RAS Heritage Centre Manager
Heritage Centre
Locked Bag 4317
Sydney Olympic Park
NSW 2127
kfinch@rasnsw.com.au
Tel (02) 9704 1461
RAS News
Milly Hill Lamb in Armidale New South Wales has beaten some of Australia’s most famous farming dynasties to be named the best agricultural producer in 2012 by the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of NSW.
> more
27 Jul 2012
The journey to find Australia’s finest produce maker wraps up on the far South Coast of NSW on Tuesday 3 July, as judges make their final stop along the road to selecting the winner of the prestigious President’s Medal.
> more
29 Jun 2012