Fort Street High School Museum

Fort Street High School (FSHS) is the oldest comprehensive school in New South Wales (NSW) and the only NSW public school with a museum. Working with the school’s archivist, we extended the museum into the historic Old Principal’s Office, creating an exhibition that explores the school’s history and the influence of its people on education and the development of Sydney and Australia.

We researched the stories, documented the artefacts, and curated and designed the exhibition. A timeline weaves the display together, with stories, quotations and objects connected to former principals and key staff members.

Workshopping the design concept with Year 9 students helped shape a more playful and collaborative visitor experience. Their input informed a gamified typewriter activity and a telephone interactive that plays former principals’ quotes through a room speaker so visitors can listen together. The exhibition also features a historical score written by an FSHS staff member and performed by members of the school’s Instrumental Music Program.

Collaborators

Jesslyn Masawan, Annsley Lo, Lena Teo