Archives, Aquisition and Access
Research Archives
The major aim of the Unit is to foster scholarship in nursing and health care history through research, education, and the development of links between those either working in, or who wish to work in, nursing and health care history. Collaboration between the Unit and major archival and/or museum collections relevant to nursing and health care history is also fostered.
The Unit holds an interesting and varied collection of archival material which can be accessed by those interested, or working in, a variety of areas associated with nursing and health care history.
Major Holdings
An extensive collection of reports (government and non-government) relevant to nursing and nursing education (Australia, United Kingdom, North America, New Zealand), 1939–current.
A collection of reports (government and non-government) relevant to the higher education sector, 1939–current.
Documents relating to the various institutions associated with and/or part of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (University of Sydney), including administrative and educational records of the School of Nursing (College of Paramedical Studies, Cumberland College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney); Department of Nursing Studies; Division of Nursing Studies, Institute of Nursing, (Sydney College of Advanced Education) and the Faculty of Nursing, (The University of Sydney) (from 1973).
Nursing and related textbooks prior to 1970.
Personal collections of individuals associated with nursing and nursing education within the Australian and UK contexts.
The Home of Hope registers 1903–1904 (limited access).
Acquisition Focus
The history of nurse education in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Administrative and educational records of the higher educational institutions associated with the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, including the School of Nursing (College of Paramedical Studies, Cumberland College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney); Department of Nursing Studies; Division of Nursing Studies, Institute of Nursing, (Sydney College of Advanced Education) and the Faculty of Nursing, (The University of Sydney).
Private collections relevant to the above.
Rare nursing textbooks.
Research Topics
The following are possible research topics for which relevant material can be found within the Nursing History Research Unit archives:
A variety of aspects of nursing and nursing education within the Australian, North American, United Kingdom and New Zealand settings.
Government and non-government involvement in nursing and nursing education within the above settings.
Curriculum and syllabus content of programs conducted for nursing (undergraduate and postgraduate) within higher educational institutions.
Types of educational programs for nurses within this setting.
Information about nurse academics teaching within this setting including qualifications, teaching and research areas.
The introduction of nursing as a discipline into the higher education sector
In particular, the establishment of the School of Nursing (College of Paramedical Studies, Cumberland College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney); Department of Nursing Studies; Division of Nursing Studies, Institute of Nursing, (Sydney College of Advanced Education) and the Faculty of Nursing, (The University of Sydney).
Administrative aspects of The Home of Hope
In particular, details of those admitted during the 1903–1904 period (limited access).
Hours and Organising Access
By appointment Monday - Friday, 10am–3pm
Closed Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
Application for access can be arranged by contacting the Administrative Officer, Gloria Paterson, 02 9351 0696 or
It would be appreciated if arrangements for access are made at least one day in advance of the proposed visit to the Unit.
Reference assistance and copying services are available and an introductory brochure is available on request.