Heritage Festival Exhibition: Changed Objects, Changing Collections

Heritage Festival Exhibition: Changed Objects, Changing Collections, What it means to preserve our collection.

Discover how our heritage objects are transformed through conservation work, careful rehousing, and modern digitisation practices.

Explore how Georges River Libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery collections have changed through conservation, preservation, and digitisation. This exhibition reveals before‑and‑after transformations, conservation tools, and the stories behind items prepared for long‑term care and future exhibitions.

This exhibition is open from Saturday 18 April to Monday 18 May 2026 during opening hours at Clive James Library, Kogarah: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (free entry).

Change is at the heart of every heritage collection. This exhibition brings together the work of Georges River Libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery to reveal how objects evolve through conservation, preservation, and digitisation. Featuring striking before‑and‑after photographs, digitally reproduced items, and an array of conservation tools, the display highlights the behind‑the‑scenes processes that protect and prepare collection material for future generations.

Visitors will see examples from Georges River Libraries’ recent rehousing project, including fragile documents, photographs, and paper materials, as well as objects from Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s collection.

Items such as iron gall ink letters, military honour rolls, and historically significant documents illustrate the challenges and rewards of caring for our shared history.

From scalpels and bone folders to brushes, thread, and the memorable jar of removed metal fasteners, this exhibition celebrates the quiet yet transformative work that keeps collections alive.

Located at Clive James Library, Kogarah, the exhibition invites audiences of all ages to appreciate the craft, science, and creativity involved in collection care, and to see heritage in a new way.

About the Research & Community History Team

Our Research & Community History Team support the preservation and promotion of the Georges River Council through the research and collection of local historical materials such as maps, photographs and newspapers to gain a deeper understanding of our history, culture, and community.

The team also coordinates Georges River Council’s Historical Markers Program which launched in 2018. The program recognises people and places of historical and cultural importance, as recommended by the local community. Each year Council will fund and install up to five new historical markers and invites the community to submit nominations.

Is there a historic person, or place in Georges River you would like to nominate?

Visit Georges River Council - Historical Markers for more information.

Nominations are open until 18 May 2026.

About the Australian Heritage Festival

The Australian Heritage Festival runs from Saturday 18 April – Monday 18 May. This year’s theme is Change, inviting communities across the country to reflect on how history has shaped us, and how we, in turn, continue to shape history.

About This Event:

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!

Cost: Free.

Age: All ages.

Experience: None.

Equipment: None.

Accessibility Information:

Georges River Libraries is committed to providing inclusive library services and programs. Please email library@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or note down your requirements or support needs in your event registration.

Terms and conditions:

• For participants aged 10 years and under, parents and/or guardians of children must remain in the library for the duration of the visit.
• Bookings are not required but you can register to receive reminders.