History comes alive in North Parramatta for Foundation Day

Heritage enthusiasts are encouraged to take a trip down memory lane in North Parramatta next week, as this year’s Foundation Day celebrates Parramatta’s rich cultural history.

History buffs can relive yesteryear through a variety of free tours and family activities at the site of Parramatta’s Female Factory and Parramatta Girls Home from 10am-4pm, Sunday 12 November.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said the festival acknowledges the City’s colonial past.

“It’s important to know the history of our City and its surrounds, which stretches back tens of thousands of years,” Cr Esber said.

“Foundation Day is a chance to explore how the City’s early colonial past contributed to our modern metropolis.

“From horse and cart to blacksmithing in early colonial times to electric vehicles, smartphones and renewable energy, Parramatta has come a long way.”

Guided tours and talks will run throughout the day at Mays Hill Cemetery, Hambleton Cottage, and Brislington Medical & Nursing Museum; and attendees can explore food trucks, live music, yard games and artisan stalls like Levi the Village Blacksmith.

Live Blacksmithing and horse and carriage rides will help everyone take a step back in time and explore colonial life in the LGA during the 19th century.

“It’s important for us to know our past so we can make an even better future here in Parramatta,” Cr Esber said.

For more details about Foundation Day, visit atparramatta.com/foundation-day