The City of Sydney Historical Association  came about when an exhibition was held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Harry Jensen Activity Centre at Millers Point in 1999, when everyone involved with the centre contributed  photos, memorabilia and their fascinating life stories.  The exhibition was coordinated by Lynda Kelly who was the Meals on Wheels Coordinator at the time.  The response was so encouraging that Lynda was contracted by the City of Sydney Council to form an historical association focusing on social history.

Lynda obtained the help of a Steering Committee which consisted of Dr. Shirley Fitzgerald (City of Sydney Historian ), Dr Wayne Johnson (Archaeologist with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority), Angela Phippen (Society of Australian Genealogists), Phillip Black (President of South Sydney Heritage Society), Ross Connell (City of Sydney Archives ). It was agreed that Lynda would organize three monthly events after which, if there was a good response, a committee would be formed. The attendance was remarkable and so in December 1999 a Working Committee was formed comprising of Trudy Holdsworth, Lynda Kelly , James Holdsworth, Clancy Walker, Bev Brooks, James Moore, Allen Yip, Jacqui Schofer.

In January 2000 the Association was incorporated and a full committee elected.

At our inaugural AGM it was decided that we would hold monthly events on the second Saturday of each month and apart from a few variations to accommodate the date for a speaker or venue, we have continued to have monthly events plus monthly committee meetings.

We have also participate in History Week and the National Trust Heritage Festival, which are annual events.  Some members also attend the annual History Lecture presented by the History Council of NSW as well as the annual History Conference held by the Royal Australian Historical Association.

The monthly Newsletter is produced with articles written by people with authority within their field of expertise and usually includes a transcript of our previous event.  Members are also encouraged to write articles.  We welcome photographs taken at events or about an item.

We are now able to send the Newsletters by email (a pdf document) so that it can been seen in colour.

Our members very often volunteer with local festivals and have been assisting with the collating of material for the Dictionary of Sydney and generally a keen interest is taken by our members in the City of Sydney and its history.  We therefore take pride in showcasing Sydney.