Our new archivist joins Pymble

A hat, a document handwritten in copperplate, a sculpture, a tam o’ shanter … all of these special things are stored in the archives of Pymble Ladies College and collectively, these artefacts can be pieced together to tell the story of our school.

My name is Kate Murray and I am the new archivist at Pymble Ladies’ College. It is my pleasure to be the new custodian of the heritage collection held here.

I have always been associated with the discipline of history and have previously worked at cultural institutions such as the National Trust of Australia (NSW), Museums of History (once known as the Historic Houses Trust of NSW), and the Australian Museum to name a few. During my career, I have curated exhibitions at unique places such as the Hyde Park Barracks (the heritage listed dwelling in the heart of Sydney originally built to house the convicts in the early days of the colony), produced publications (one of which focused on some of the stories of Australia’s first museum) and I have also been involved in a plethora of other activities including managing dedicated volunteers, growing member numbers and other elements of community engagement as well as marketing and writing, working on a 75-million-year-old dinosaur, exploring places such as Antarctica and the Galapagos Archipelago and many other fascinating experiences.

My career now brings me here to Pymble and I have been spending some of my time trying to gain an overview of the heritage collection and to learn some of the wonderful history of this important school. I have enjoyed turning the pages of the leather-bound ledgers that document in copperplate handwriting (in ink no less), every pound and pence paid in fees to the school from 1916; and searching through the detailed old student cards (also written by hand) dating back to the start of the College and outlining the long forgotten pursuits of learning things at Pymble such as ‘home management’ The same can be said for the myriad of photographs and letters, the old school bags and the parade of hats that have changed over time … all of these treasures tell the story of this school and are also a passport to times gone by.

My own family has personal, historic connections to the College. There was once a dairy at Pymble and would you believe that it was located in Avon Road? It was owned and run by my maternal grandfather, Alfred Porter and my own mother lived in Avon Road for the majority of her life. We still have the original College Prospectus sent to my grandfather by postal mail, to his address across the road. I also grew up here on Avon Road and have images of my brother and me in our childhood days, on bikes opposite the gates of Pymble Ladies’ College! It is welcoming and familiar to be back here at Avon Road.

In my first term as archivist, I have already enjoyed sharing some of the story of the College with all 110 Year 3 students, along with reading books to Year 4 students regularly and engaging with other grades across the school and with the community. It was heart-warming to learn that some of the Year 3 students have connected to the idea I tried to share with them that they are part of the story of Pymble – apparently some have been heard saying “What I am doing today is part of tomorrow’s history!”.

I look forward to growing the heritage collection of Pymble and unearthing more wonderful treasures from the College community, people such as yourselves. If you have items of significance to share, please reach out via email at kmurray@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you would like to make contact in person, the Heritage Centre does remain but my office has relocated as part of our exciting masterplan as the College continues with its latest reincarnation of change and innovation. Due to this, some of the historic collection is temporarily being stored offsite and the use of the Heritage Centre is currently limited, however I welcome you to come forward and share stories from your times at Pymble and perhaps some artefacts that may be of historic interest.

A school that founding principal John Marden envisaged over 108 years ago (beginning with a total of just 60 students) is today a thriving leader in education, sport, co-curricular activities and more. I am excited to have the opportunity to be here to bear witness to the new chapters in the story of Pymble Ladies’ College as it unfolds and to engage with important members of its community such as you – our valued Alumni.

Kate Murray
Archivist

Email: kmurray@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au