Heritage Festival Exhibition: Changed Objects, Changing Collections

Changed Objects, Changing Collections: What it means to preserve our collection.

Bugs and mould! Acid and rust! Gunk, goo and mysterious crust!

Explore how Georges River Libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery collections have changed through conservation, preservation, and digitisation. This exhibition reveals before-and-after transformations, conservation tools, and the stories behind items prepared for long-term care and future exhibitions.

This exhibition is open from Saturday 18 April to Sunday 17 May 2026 during opening hours at Clive James Library, Kogarah: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (free entry).

Change is at the heart of every heritage collection. This exhibition brings together the work of Georges River Libraries and Hurstville Museum & Gallery to reveal how objects evolve through conservation, preservation, and digitisation. Featuring striking before-and-after photographs, digitally reproduced items, and an array of conservation tools, the display highlights the behind-the-scenes processes that protect and prepare collection material for future generations.

Visitors will see examples from Georges River Libraries’ recent rehousing project, including fragile documents, photographs, and paper materials, as well as objects from Hurstville Museum & Gallery’s collection.

Items such as iron gall ink letters, military honour rolls, and historically significant documents illustrate the challenges and rewards of caring for our shared history.

From scalpels and bone folders to brushes, thread, and the memorable jar of removed metal fasteners, this exhibition celebrates the quiet yet transformative work that keeps collections alive.

Located at Clive James Library, Kogarah, the exhibition invites audiences of all ages to appreciate the craft, science, and creativity involved in collection care, and to see heritage in a new way.

About the Research & Community History Team:

Our Research & Community History Team support the preservation and promotion of the Georges River Council through the research and collection of local historical materials such as maps, photographs and newspapers to gain a deeper understanding of our history, culture, and community.

The team also coordinates Georges River Council’s Historical Markers Program which launched in 2018. The program recognises people and places of historical and cultural importance, as recommended by the local community. Each year Council will fund and install up to five new historical markers and invites the community to submit nominations.