Migration Heritage Centre

Migrants have journeyed to Australia and settled in the State of New South Wales both willingly and unwillingly, legally and illegally, as convicts, prisoners of war, as free or assisted immigrants or as refugees. Migrants have also been refused entry or deported. Australia's history of migration can be understood in the context of world history and British colonial and Australian Federal Government policies.

All people in Australia share the legacy of migration. Unless we are Aboriginal people, we are all migrants or descendants of migrants.

The Migration Heritage Centre identifies, records, preserves and interprets the heritage of migration and settlement in New South Wales from 1788 to the present day. We aim to give new perspectives on Australian history, ensure a more representative heritage is preserved for future generations and also to validate migrants' experiences and challenge myths and prejudices.

We are an innovative virtual heritage centre similar to an online museum. Our website presents an exciting program of online exhibitions you can view featuring community collections, family belongings and people's memories. You can also visit many of our exhibitions at venues across New South Wales. The website is also a gateway to plan your visits to explore fascinating heritage places and regions important to New South Wales' history of migration and settlement.

The Centre is a New South Wales Government initiative supported by the Community Relations Commission and is located at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. A panel of advisors provides strategic direction and ensures a diverse range of interests is reflected in our programs.