The Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection is a specialized research library dedicated to the history of house and garden design, interior furnishings, and domestic life in New South Wales. Established through a cultural gift, the library features a diverse collection including architectural pattern books, personal papers, photographs, and oral histories. It serves as a leading source of information on the history of houses, interiors, furnishings, gardens, and domestic life in Australia.
With a focus on acknowledging the design ingenuity and practices of caring for home and Country in First Nations cultures, the Caroline Simpson Library offers immersive and interactive programs both onsite and online. The collection reflects a commitment to better representing First Nations cultures and histories. Through exhibitions, events, and activations, the library celebrates significant moments in history and showcases the stories of past lives and events that unfolded in the region.
As part of the Museums of History NSW, the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection is dedicated to preserving and providing access to significant historic places, collections, and archives in New South Wales. With a vast collection of over 14 million items, the library offers resources for managing, storing, and transferring government records. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and individuals interested in exploring the rich history of NSW and its people.
