Archives for Everyone: No debt too small or petty - Newcastle City Library
Wednesday 5 November 2025
53 days from now
11am - 12:30pm
1 hour 30 minutes
From missing wages to disputes between neighbours, the Courts of Petty Sessions (now known as the Local Court) were long a place where communities sought justice. From 1846, the courts settled claims for debts of up to £10, and their Small Debts Registers document countless cases.
As part of Museums of History NSW Archives for Everyone project, they've partnered with NSW community groups to digitise and index these valuable records.
Now, the registers are on tour! Join us for a unique opportunity to view these original documents and gain insights from the archivists. Featuring material from Museums of History NSW’s State Archives, Caroline Simpson Library and museum collections, this talk will uncover fascinating histories of local communities in NSW and the people who shaped them.
Cost: Free
Bookings essential
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
Image caption: 11 Addresses Presented to Lord Carrington Governor of New South Wales no 14, page 11, Address from the Magistrates of the Orange Bench, October 1890 (detail); Wagga Wagga Courthouse, undated; Small debts registers [Newcastle Court of Petty Sessions], 14 March 1892. State Archives Collection, MHNSW: NRS-20455-1-13-14-13; NRS-4346-1-[9/5879B]-1-30; NRS-3247-[34/2010]
As part of Museums of History NSW Archives for Everyone project, they've partnered with NSW community groups to digitise and index these valuable records.
Now, the registers are on tour! Join us for a unique opportunity to view these original documents and gain insights from the archivists. Featuring material from Museums of History NSW’s State Archives, Caroline Simpson Library and museum collections, this talk will uncover fascinating histories of local communities in NSW and the people who shaped them.
Cost: Free
Bookings essential
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
Image caption: 11 Addresses Presented to Lord Carrington Governor of New South Wales no 14, page 11, Address from the Magistrates of the Orange Bench, October 1890 (detail); Wagga Wagga Courthouse, undated; Small debts registers [Newcastle Court of Petty Sessions], 14 March 1892. State Archives Collection, MHNSW: NRS-20455-1-13-14-13; NRS-4346-1-[9/5879B]-1-30; NRS-3247-[34/2010]
