Calling all history buffs, we want to hear from you! If you have an interesting story about Playford’s past, this is your opportunity to contribute to our online history blog and published annual journal.

Our blog and journal features a variety of articles relating to local people, places and happenings and includes information on the Uleybury School Museum.

We welcome you to share any old diaries, programs, artefacts or club newsletters with the Playford Library Service to make your mark on history. You can read all about Playford’s unique history at our blog page here or purchase an annual journal for $5 from the City of Playford Library Service.

Museums are a great way to step back in time and gain a deep insight into past practices, especially at the Uleybury School which was established in 1856. Restored in 1978 and reopened as a museum, the school includes information, photographs and memorabilia of past students.

The museum gives an insight into education of the past and the old-time school lessons that were conducted. There is also a gallery of historical information about our city, including of a model of the Lady Alice Mine and a puppet theatre of Jumbo the Elephant, who was believed to have lived in the Smithfield district of Playford.

Come to the Uleybury School Museum and experience 'old-time' lessons taught by the Museum caretaker - as you might predict, there are no computers in this classroom! Children will use inkwells and slates, so get your quills ready!

Class and group-booking appointments can be made at the Uleybury School Museum by phoning 8280 7396.

History in a Box is a new local history resource from the City of Playford Library Service for primary and secondary schools. Designed to promote the use of primary resource material and student-centered learning, this program can be adapted to cover a vast range of subjects including history, social studies, visual arts, politics, and cultural and gender studies.

Each box contains a selection of resources, photographs, documents, oral histories, DVDs and objects. If you would like to delve deeper to expand on your historical investigation of the area, we include a selection of local history books and resources.

Boxes available:

• Elizabeth; City of Tomorrow
• Uleybury School
• Smithfield

These boxes encourage students to evaluate and interpret historical material while exploring critical thinking about the decisions that were made at the time. The boxes are free to borrow for two-week loans.

For further information please contact the Heritage Coordinator on 8256 0382.

You now have the opportunity to trace your family history thanks to the City of Playford. We've gathered a range of research aids that are available to you, including more than 5,000 microfiche, 1,000 books and magazines, maps, genealogical data files and scanning facilities. Visit our Library branches to access Find My Past and Ancestry Library.

There are plenty of other online resources available: