Working with the community to know, value and care for our heritage
Heritage Branch - Home
About Us Listings Development
Heritage Council Publications & Forms Conservation
About Heritage Research Funding

Aboriginal Heritage
Built Heritage
Historical Archaeology
Maritime Archaeology
Movable Heritage
Multicultural Heritage
Landscapes & Gardens
State Government Heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
Home    About Heritage    Historical Archaeology

Historical Archaeology

About Historical Archaeology
How is Archaeology Protected?
How You Can Be Involved
Policy, Standards and Guidelines
Making an application
Selecting an Excavation Director
 Find Out More: sites, events, websites & links
Resources for Students
What's New for Archaeologists
Frequently Asked Questions
Feedback

About Archaeology

Historical archaeology is the study of the past using physical evidence in conjunction with historical sources. It focuses on the objects used by people in the past and the places where they lived and worked. It can tell us about the way things were made and used and how people lived their daily lives.

In Australia historical archaeologists investigate sites and relics such as those left by early Asian fishing fleets and Dutch explorers, as well as the settlements of Europeans, Chinese and other cultural groups.

What are Historical Archaeological Sites?

Archaeologists study many types of physical evidence, including:

Archaeology is not just about objects and remains, it is also about landscapes and links between sites.

Cunningham Street dig
Cunningham Street, Haymarket		 Clay pipe, Parramatta Children's Court
Clay pipe, Parramatta Children's Court		 Quadrant site, Ultimo
Quadrant site, Ultimo

Top of page

Why Are Archaeological Sites Important?

Archaeological resources are irreplaceable. They have enormous potential to contribute to our knowledge of our history, providing information that is unavailable from other sources. It is important that archaeological resources are adequately investigated and recorded if they are to be disturbed.

Some sites are important for the knowledge we can gain from them. That is why we excavate and learn from them.

Some sites that are very significant to the community are kept in the ground and interpreted because they can supply evidence that we can see and touch.

Who Are Historical Archaeologists?
Historical archaeologists are people who have completed tertiary training in archaeology, prehistory or a related field and who have specialist training and experience in historical archaeology. Historical archaeologists carry out archaeological assessments, do archival research and undertake survey recording and archaeological excavations.

There are also many dedicated non-professionals who are interested in historical archaeology and have contributed to our understanding of the past. They have developed their skills from researching and recording historical sites and from working on excavations under professional supervision.

 Cunningham Street dig
Archaeologist at work at Cunningham Street, Haymarket

Top of page

How is Our Archaeological Heritage Protected?

The NSW Heritage Act 1977 protects the State's natural and cultural heritage and contains measures to protect archaeological resources.

If you are excavating land in NSW and know that you will disturb a relic, or think that you might disturb a relic, then you need to get an excavation permit issued by the Heritage Council of NSW. A relic is any item over 50 years old.

An excavation permit is required in order to ensure that archaeological sites are excavated under proper supervision and that significant evidence of our past is not unnecessarily lost. Archaeology requires the careful excavation of evidence in the ground in order to fully understand the history and significance of the site.

The Heritage Act also requires that a person who has discovered a relic must notify the Heritage Council of the discovery within a reasonable time.

For more information:

Many archaeological sites are listed on the State Heritage Register in recognition of their significance. Click here to search the Register.

There are also a number of other ways to protect archaeological sites. Archaeological zoning plans prepared by local councils are an important tool for identifying areas of archaeological potential that could be affected by development. Promoting public awareness, conducting public education programs and providing easy access to professional advice on the conservation of archaeological sites also play a vital role.

Penalties

The heritage of NSW is irreplaceable. There are heavy penalties for offences under the Heritage Act. Penalties may include fines, confiscation of equipment, even imprisonment.

Top of page
What Can You Do?

Volunteers and enthusiasts can make a valuable contribution to archaeological research and site conservation. You can help by:


Heritage Branch volunteer Sarah Halpin
at the Parramatta Children's Court site.

Top of page

Policy, Standards and Guidelines

Archaeology Review

The Heritage Branch works to develop effective standards and guidelines for historical archaeology with the help of trained specialists working in the field. Our aim is to improve the quality and accessibility of archaeological work in NSW and to encourage education and interpretation of archaeological sites.

A new strategic archaeology review is currently being undertaken. Meanwhile, you can view the strategic review undertaken in 1999.

Publications

The following publications can be downloaded or ordered from the Heritage Branch:

Studies

Interpreting Archaeology: The Home of Archaeology lies in the Heart of Modern Communities 2002
In 2002 former Heritage Branch archaeologist, Natalie Vinton, was awarded a $6,000 Travelling Fellowship in Public Sector Management. Her project took her to the US to undertake a study of international best practice in the interpretation of archaeological resources. You can download her report on public access to archaeology in the US:

  • PDFIntroduction, Background & Methodology [16 pages - 362 KB];
  • PDFCase Studies [35 pages - 456 KB];
  • PDFResults and Conclusions [27 pages - 493 KB];

    Ruins: Working Policy Statement

    A ruin is the fabric of a constructed and usually immovable structure , mostly above the ground which is in a transitional state between dereliction and an archaeological site . Ruins may have cultural significance through possession of inspirational, evocative, aesthetic and research values as well as an ability to demonstrate those values. In many cases, when an item’s state as a ruin is a primary element of its significance , management through preservation will be justified, rather than partial or full reconstruction, and processes of controlled and recorded decay may be acceptable

    This working policy statement was adopted by Heritage Council's State Heritage Register Committee on the 7th March 2007, and is to be reviewed in about 18 months time.

    Top of page
    Making an Application

    You will need to make an application to the Heritage Council if you are going to disturb or excavate any land in NSW that is likely to contain archaeological remains. Download the appropriate forms from:
    Permits and Applications Page

    Selecting an Excavation Director

    Excavation directors and excavation co-directors need to have pertinent qualifications, professional fieldwork experience, and have a good reason to undertake the proposed archaeological work that may impact on sub-surface relics. The Heritage Council has endorsed criteria to help the community and consent authorities assess the suitability of a nominated excavation director for different types of archaeological projects.

    PDFExcavation Directors Assessment Criteria

    Before nominating an excavation director on a section 60 and/or section 140 application form, download the Assessment Criteria and ensure that they meet the criteria. It is particularly important for first-time nominated excavation directors and excavation co-directors to meet these criteria. You will need to provide:

    • a written statement demonstrating how your fieldwork experience meets the stated criteria;
    • a written statement of relevant professional experience prepared by at least two referees who have supervised your fieldwork, (the referees must come from at least 2 different employers), verifying the nominated excavation director’s professional fieldwork experience; and
    • a copy of your current curriculum vitae (CV).
    The documents should be submitted with the excavation permit application form.

    Top of page

    Find Out More: sites, events, websites & links

    There are a range of opportunities for those who want to find out more about archaeology or to become more involved, from viewing sites as they are being excavated, learning about discoveries and artefacts, to volunteering to work with archaeologists on a dig. Below you'll find information and links on significant archaeology in NSW.

    Events

    When highly significant sites are excavated, open days are often held for the general public so everyone has the opportunity to visit our special sites and learn how archaeology helps us to understand the past. The Heritage Branch works with developers to encourage these interpretation activities through the excavation permit process.

    Children's Court, Parramatta
    Parramatta Children's Court Site 2004    		 George Street, Parramatta
    George Street, Parramatta 2002    		 Kens site, Sydney
    KENS site open day, Sydney 2004

    Over the last couple of years open days have been held at 25 important sites around NSW. A diverse range of sites have been inspected by the public, including the Orphan Male School in Fairfield, Hawkesbury Hospital in Windsor, Lord Howe Island, Parramatta Children's Court, former Parramatta Hospital Site, Luna Park in North Sydney, the Quadrant site in Sydney, the Tank Stream and the KENs site in Sydney.

    Children's Court, Parramatta
    Hands-on Heritage Workshop    		 George Street, Parramatta
    Fairfield City Museum and Gallery 2005    		 Kens site, Sydney
    Hands-on Heritage Workshop

    Top of page

    Archaeological Sites With Interpretation for the Public

    Not all of NSW's archaeology remains hidden from view. As part of its commitment to public access and participation, the Heritage Branch encourages the interpretation of archaeological remains. The best way to understand what archaeology is all about is to visit these special places and see how they can help us to understand our past.

    The following are sites with interpretation of archaeological remains:

    Cabonne

    Holroyd
    • Goodlet and Smith Brickworks, Brickworks Drive, Holroyd
    North Sydney
    • Bradfield Park, North Sydney
    Orange
    • Orange Court House, Lord's Place, Orange
    Parramatta
    • 180 George Street, Parramatta NEW
    • Convict drain, behind Ferguson Centre entry plaza (between Phillip and George Streets, Parramatta)
    • Convict drain at 18 Smith Street, Parramatta
    • Well from the Babes in the Woods site, corner Smith and George Streets, Parramatta
    • Corner of Church Street and James Ruse, entry of the Bunnings Warehouse
    • The Dairy, Parramatta Park
    Sydney
    • The Belgian Beer Cafe, 135 Harrington St, The Rocks (located in the old St Patrick School Hall)
    • Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Conservatorium Road, Sydney
    • The Quadrant site, 46-52 Mountain Street, Ultimo, Sydney
    • The First Government House, Museum of Sydney, Bridge Street, Sydney
    • Hyde Park Barracks, Macquarie Street, Sydney
    • Cadman Cottage, Circular Quay, Sydney
    • The Parbury, Walsh Bay, Sydney (access by appointment, contact Waterways Authorities)
    • Foundation Park, Gloucester Walk, The Rocks, Sydney
    • The Paddock Park, Dawes Point, The Rocks, Sydney
    • Dawes Point Park, Millers Point, Sydney
    • Cumberland/Gloucester Streets, The Rocks, Sydney
    • Tank Stream, GPO Martin Place, Sydney
    • GPO, Martin Place, Sydney
    • The Mint Museum (new Historic Houses Trust headquarters), Macquarie Street, Sydney
    Top of page

    Archaeological Sites Online

    You can go to the websites below to find out about some major archaeological investigations which have recently been undertaken in Sydney. The websites include information and photographs of excavations and discoveries:

    Historical Archaeology Links

    Below are listed some of the major websites relevant to historical archaeology in Australia:

    Top of page

    Reports on Archaeological Investigations

    The Heritage Branch holds copies of many interim and final reports completed as part of archaeological investigations. These reports may be viewed at the Heritage Branch Library on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am - 5pm.

    Note: the list below is not exhaustive as it does not include all excavations completed before 2000, or reports currently under review. If you cannot find your site listed, please contact the Heritage Branch Librarian on (02) 9873 8591 to check.

    You can also view archaeology final reports at your local council library. A copy of each final report submitted to the Heritage Branch is lodged with the relevent council.

    In addition to final reports, the Heritage Branch Library also holds copies of archaeological studies (archaeological assessments, conservation management plans etc) completed for NSW councils, organisations and private companies.

    Articles in Heritage NSW

    Link to the following articles on Historical Archaeology which have appeared in the Heritage Branch newsletter:

  • Building on Our Convict Past Heritage NSW, Spring 2005 Vol.12 No.1, page 14
  • Archaeology for Kids Heritage NSW, Spring 2005 Vol.12 No.1
  • A Healthy Find From Our Convict Past Heritage NSW, Spring 2003 Vol.10 No.2
  • Telling the Whole Story (Broadway, Ultimo and George Street, Parramatta) Heritage NSW, Autumn 2003 Vol.10 No.1;
  • Uncovering the Life of Sydney's Poorest Heritage NSW, Autumn 2002 Vol.9 No.1;
  • Exploring the Archaeology of the Modern City, Heritage NSW, Spring 2001 Vol.8 No.2;
  • Plan to Save Government House Site, Heritage NSW, Spring 2001 Vol.8 No.2;
  • Cemetery Reveals Past Lives, Heritage NSW, Winter 2000 Vol.7 No.3;
  • Evidence of the Law: Excavations at Orange Court House, Heritage NSW, Summer 2000 Vol.7 No.1;
  • Heritage Council Decision on Conservatorium Site, Heritage NSW, October 1998 Vol.5 No.3;
  • Historic Dockyard Unearthed, Heritage NSW, August 1998 Vol.5 No.2;

    Top of page
    Resources for Students

    Education Kits
    The Big Dig Kit is an educational kit suitable for ages 15+. It presents a factual case study of an important Australian excavation, the Cumberland and Gloucester Streets site in the Rocks. Know as the "Big Dig" this excavation increased our understanding of the lives of the site's early colonial and Victorian inhabitants. The kit can be used to broaden student's knowledge of Australian history or to present a case-study of an Australian archaeological excavation. It was produced by Godden Mackay Logan, Astarte Resources and the Historic Houses Trust of NSW, with financial assistance from the NSW Heritage Incentives Program. Kits can be purchased from:

    Astarte Resources, GPO Box 920, Canberra, ACT 2601
    Website and catalogue: www.astarte.com.au
    Contact: Ben Churcher Tel: 02 6238 3616
    Email: info@astarte.com.au

    		Archaeology Education Kit

    Trowels and Tribulations is an education kit prepared by Australand, with the support of the Heritage Branch, about the Quadrant archaeological dig in Ultimo, on Sydney's CBD fringe. This was one of the largest urban excavations in Sydney and the kit provides details of this significant site and the archaeologist's findings. It includes a colour report on the excavation, video and heritage brochures. Limited numbers of the free kit are available from the Heritage Branch. Archaeology Education Kit

    Museums and Tours for School Students

    • The Rocks Discovery Museum: offers a diverse range of educational programs that give primary and secondary students an in-dept insight into museum, which has unique collection of images and archaeological artefacts found in The Rocks.
    • The Historic Houses Trust conducts school tours and events which regularly include archaeological aspects of their sites. In particular, the Cumberland/Gloucester Street archaeological site will be of interest.
    • The Commonwealth Bank and National Trust Schools Program 2006 is an excellent resource for school children. The site looks at National Trust sites, some of which have been excavated at different times. Archaeology is also incorporated into some of the site tours.
    • The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust also conducts excursions on Cockatoo Island for primary children.
    Top of page

    What's New for Archaeologists

    Changes to fees
    Fees for excavation permits and section 60 applications will change from September 2005. See the     regulation annoucement for the latest information on the regulations and their impact on application fees.

    Strategic Archaeology Review
    The Strategic Archaeology Review commenced in 2004 is drawing to a close. The Heritage Branch has provided comments on the draft report to its consultant Dr Tracy Ireland. Once the report is finalised it will be made available via the website.

    Changes to permits and forms
    Observant historical archaeologists who have been issued section 140 permits may have noticed two recent changes to the conditions of consent:

    • Excavation permits are now valid for five (5) years from the date of approval. This change was made to bring section 140 approvals in line with other approvals such as those issued under section 60 of the Heritage Act and the DA consents issued by local government; and
    • Summaries of the results of field work will be requested within one (1) month of completion of archaeological field work. It is intended that this summary will provide the Heritage Branch and the community with basic information about the results of the archaeological fieldwork, until a final excavation report is received.

    Changes have also been made to the excavation permit approval letter, which now requests the applicant to provide information on economic aspects of the proposal. This information will assist the Heritage Council of NSW in determining the economic role of heritage in development in NSW.

    The archaeologists in the Heritage Branch are also working on the development of a revised form, Application Under Section 140 for an Archaeological Excavation Permit and checklist. The new format will assist with the provision of the essential information needed for the permit reporting process and also aims to facilitate a possible future move to on-line lodgement of statutory applications. The purpose of these changes is to help streamline and standardise how applications are received, assessed and processed by the Heritage Branch.

    Feedback

    We are very keen to get feedback and are interested in any ideas for new guidelines, standards or policies. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our historical archaeologists:

    Further information on Historical Archaeology can be found at Frequently Asked Questions.

    Top of page

    •   NSW Government | Site Map  | Contact Us   | Copyright   | Disclaimer   | Privacy