Heritage Festival: The Conservator is In-Live Conservation/Digitisation Day

See Conservation in Action- Objects Changing Before Your Eyes

Discover how collections are cared for and transformed at The Conservator Is In. Drop in to Hurstville Library to watch the Research & Community History team and Hurstville Museum & Gallery staff as they conserve, rehouse, and digitise items from the community history and museum collections. Throughout the day, visitors can observe live demonstrations using professional tools and materials, learn how fragile documents and objects are stabilised, and see how digitisation supports long‑term preservation and access.

Visitors are also invited to bring a small selection of items from home (photographs or photo albums, paper documents, VHS tapes, or cassette tapes only) for staff to assess and answer questions about their condition or format. While staff cannot provide conservation treatment or detailed preservation advice, they can help visitors understand what they are looking at and discuss general collection‑care considerations.

The session will also feature the library’s new digitisation station, demonstrating how VHS and cassette recordings can be converted into digital files and how flatbed scanning preserves 2D items such as photos and documents.

This free, drop‑in event is ideal for curious visitors, students, families, and anyone interested in behind‑the‑scenes heritage work. The venue is fully accessible; children must be supervised. No bookings required, just come along and explore.

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.