Brief History
The local history collection at Manly Library was officially started in 1964, although some items, such as the Manly Daily, have been collected since 1959.
The collection has recently been enriched with the publication of "Seven Miles from Sydney: A History of Manly" by Pauline Curby, which was commissioned by Council. It overturns many of the myths that have grown up over the years and provided a thoroughly researched, readable, comprehensive history of the local government area.
Local Studies
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In 1979 the collection was formally named The Wellings Local History Collection, after Leslie C. Wellings, who was Town Clerk of Manly Council from 1922 to 1957. This changed in 1992 to the Wellings Local Studies Collection, in order to reflect the current as well the historical nature of the collection.
Mr. Wellings' newspaper cuttings books, dating from 1906-1954, form a valuable and integral part of the collection.
Specialist help
Our Local Studies Librarian will be able to assist you with your research on the local area (Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, Fairlight, Manly and Seaforth).
Monday to Friday: 2:30pm - 5:00pm
By appointment: Tel: 9976 1741
Resources
- Manly Council Reports
- LEP (Local Environment Plan)
- DCP (Development Control Plan)
- Monographs
- Videos
- Archives
- Maps & Plans
- Manuscripts
- Videodisc
- Oral Histories
- Real Estate Posters
- Photographs
- Theses
- Genealogy
- Newspapers and Clippings
- History online
- Ephemera
- Sand's Sydney (NSW) Directory 1858-1932/3
- Loan items
Related Historical Publications
Genealogy - Your Family History
The following resources are available in the Genealogy Section on Level 1:
- Genealogical Research Kit from the Archives Office of NSW
- NSW Pioneers & Federation Index 1788-1918
- NSW Between the Wars Index 1919-1945 (Deaths & Marriages only)
- South Australian Births Registrations 1842-1906
- Tasmanian Pioneers Index 1803-1899
- Victorian Pioneers, Federation & Edwardian Index 1837-1913
- Victorian Great War Index 1914-1920
- Victorian Death Index 1921-1985
- WA Pioneers Index 1841-1905
- Probate Index
- Internet access - bookmarked Genealogy web sites
- and many other items
- Phone: 9976 1720 to book a computer to view CD ROMs or the Internet
Research Assistance
The Library has two volunteers who are experienced family history researchers to assist you with your research:
- Sessions are usually for one hour.
- Telephone: 9976 1720 to make an appointment.
The Manly Warringah Pittwater Historical database, which comprises 5,200 items owned by the Society, is now available on the Manly Library Webcat.
Those wishing to view this hard-copy material should contact the Society’s Archivist at The Manly, Warringah & Pittwater Historical Society, P.O. Box 695, Manly, NSW 1655. Contact: John MacRitchie, Local Studies Librarian 99761741.
last updated 03/2009