The Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts (formerly known as the Tenterfield School of Arts) played an influential role in the development of the Commonwealth of Australia. For it was here on 24 October 1889 that former NSW Premier, Sir Henry Parkes, made his provocative Tenterfield speech which set in motion the popular movement resulting in the Federation of Australia.

This nationally-historic site, now conserved, houses the Sir Henry Parkes Collection, a museum devoted to Federation and the history of the School of Arts, the Shire Library and Theatre.

Using primary sources and suggested activities, students visit historical sites in Tenterfield, including the railway station and the School of Arts, where they focus on aspects of Australia’s heritage, particularly the development of the principals of Australian democracy.

In the theatre at the School of Arts students participate in a roleplay, focusing on issues such as federation, education, racism, immigration and republicanism.