Fort Street Archive

110 YEARS @ PETERSHAM

Welcome back to a new year at The Fort! Although Fort Street is almost 180 years old, in 2026, the school enters a significant year in its long and distinguished history, marking the 110th anniversary of the Fort Street move to the current Petersham site – a defining moment that shaped the school’s identity for generations to come.

In 1916, Fort Street boys relocated from Observatory Hill to its new home in Petersham, establishing a purpose-built campus designed to continue the school’s expanding academic ambition and civic standing. At the heart of this move was the construction of the impressive Wilkins Building, a structure that remains one of Sydney’s most significant heritage-listed educational buildings.

More than an architectural statement, the Wilkins Building symbolised Fort Street’s commitment to scholarship, public education, and opportunity. Its grand façade and commanding presence have stood for over a century as a testament to the school’s enduring values and the generations of students who have passed through its halls.

Today, the Wilkins Building continues to serve as a living bridge between past and present. It houses the Ron Horan Museum and the Preston Gallery, preserving the rich story of the school while showcasing its artistic and cultural legacy. These spaces, open on Thursdays and Fridays, honour the achievements of Fortians and celebrate the ongoing contributions of the school community. If you are unable to visit, please join us at Lost Fort Street on Facebook and Instagram or download the Fort Street Tours app.

Mr Iain Wallace

School Archivist