Ryde’s fascinating history comes to life

Published on 04 October 2024

The story of the City of Ryde is about to be told like never before with the introduction of the Ryde History Hub, an online collection of resources about the history and heritage of this vibrant, diverse area, its people, places, and events.

Initiated by City of Ryde Libraries, the Ryde History Hub will not only provide new ways for the community to research and connect with the libraries’ history collections but will also enable the ongoing digital preservation of historical items, articles, and oral histories.

Since 1946, the Municipality of Ryde, now the City of Ryde, has been served by multiple library branches. With the establishment of the specialist Local Studies Collection at the central library in the 1980s, Ryde's history has been collected, stored, and made available progressively via our online catalogue.

Now, by registering as a member of the Ryde History Hub, members of the community will be able to add vital contributions to this growing digital collection. 

The community can participate in the enrichment of the Ryde History Hub by:

• Uploading digitised images or documents
• Adding tags to images to improve searches
• Providing suggested edits to improve the historical accuracy of the records; and
• Adding personal recollections.

Ryde History Hub is an evolving and growing collection, as the online catalogue and newly digitised items are brought over in phases. Community contributions will continue to add a new dimension to these shared local histories.

This exciting and vital new resource is being launched at Ryde Library on Friday 11 October 2024 from 6.00-8.00pm. Light refreshments will be served, and a glass of wine or a mocktail will be available for registered guests.

For more details about the event, click here

Members of the community who would like to contribute physical photographs, documents, or items of memorabilia relevant to the history of Ryde can contact the Local Studies and Family History Librarian at history@ryde.nsw.gov.au or call 9952 8353.