How have visions of Sydney shaped the city? From Lachlan Macquarie to Clover Moore, the visions our leaders have of Sydney have a lasting impact. To celebrate the Macquarie Bicentenary the History Council of NSW and the Historic Houses Trust are co-presenting a series of lectures throughout 2010 exploring the legacy of Lachlan and Elizabeth Macquarie. The talks will feature historians and contemporary experts discussing everything from dispossession to green spaces.
 
Lachlan and Elizabeth: power couple of the 1810s
 
In this talk Grace Karskens will explore the Macquarie era from the perspective of the Macquaries as a couple. What was it in their relationship that nurtured these extraordinary shared dreams? When did they realise that New South Wales could be their canvas? What shaped their tastes, drove their ambitions? What were their priorities? And what hubris drove them to commission ever more extravagant buildings, folly that led eventually to disgrace?
When: Thursday 25 February 2010, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Museum of Sydney, corner Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
Cost: SOLD OUT
Contact: 02 8239 2211
 
Development and Dispossession

Did Macquarie’s vision for Sydney represent development or dispossession? Hear prominent historian Professor Peter Read, discuss the history of Aboriginal Sydney with a particular focus on Macquarie. Professor Larissa Behrendt will then reflect on the same topic from a contemporary perspective.
When: Wednesday 24 March 2010, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Museum of Sydney, corner Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
Cost:  General $20.00, Concession/Member $15.00
Contact: 02 8239 2211
 
Visions of Sydney Symposium

How have visions of Sydney shaped the city? This one-day history symposium and public lecture will explore 200 years of urban planning: from Macquarie to Moore. Prominent historians Dr Shirley Fitzgerald, Dr Grace Karskens, Professor Robert Freestone and Dr Paul Ashton will look at different eras in the city’s history, followed by an overview of the City of Sydney’s 2030 Vision by Bridget Smyth. This symposium is sponsored by the City of Sydney. Click here for more information.
When: Thursday 20 May 2010, 9.30am - 5.30pm
Where: Museum of Sydney, corner Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
Cost:  General $90.00, Concession/Member $75.00
Contact: 02 9252 8715, office@historycouncilnsw.org.au
 
Watch this space for more events in this series!