Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are kindly advised that this website includes images, sounds and names of people who have passed.
All users should be aware that some topics or historical content may be culturally sensitive, offensive or distressing, and that some images may contain nudity or are of people not yet identified. Certain words, terms or descriptions may reflect the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written, but are now considered inappropriate in today's context.
In the Library (or anywhere with a Library card for NSW residents) | |
Only in the Library | |
Publicly available |
You can use NSW orphan schools records, 1817-1833 when in the Library. Can't come to the Library? Contact us. |
STEP 1
Search for your orphan using the Child Care and Protection Index on the State Archives & Records NSW website. The index is also available on microfiche in the Family history area of the Governor Marie Bashir Reading Room. The index only includes records held here.
Searching by the orphan’s last name is the most effective way; however you can also search by the name of a petitioner or parents. A child may have taken the last name of either parent. |
Here is an example of an index entry:
Surname |
Ablett |
---|---|
First Name |
[male] |
Age |
8 yrs |
Petition Date |
|
Commital Date |
12/01/1832 |
Date of Discharge |
|
Remarks |
Petitioner: Ablett, Ann. Requesting entry of child into orphan school |
Citation |
NRS 782 [2]; Reel 2776, Page 243-246 |
Institution |
Orphan Schools |
STEP 2
Note down the details from the entry, in particular the Citation (reel number), to find the original record.
STEP 3
You can view as well as order copies of the records at State Archives & Records NSW. Some records are held at the Library.
The records are quite detailed with information about the orphan, their parents and family circumstances.
The records listed below are included:
The first four series up to 1833 are held at the State Library and can be viewed here (part of the 'Archives Resources Kit'). The remaining series can only be viewed at State Archives & Records NSW. You can also order copies of the records through the State Archives & Records NSW website.