Lost Manly is a community-driven local history project dedicated to preserving the visual, social and cultural memory of Manly and the Northern Beaches.

Founded by Lisa Lipman, a fourth-generation Manly local (born and bred in Harbord, Lost Manly began as a personal archive — a place to gather old photographs, research family histories, and record the everyday details that give a place its character. Over time, it grew into a shared space where thousands now come together to remember, reflect, and reconnect with Manly as it once was — and as it still lives in memory. To read more about Lisa's fourth generation 'founding fathers' go to her Lost Manly Blogs here

At its heart, Lost Manly is about belonging. It recognises that places shape us, and that the stories of streets, beaches, ferries and neighbourhoods matter just as much as the big historical events. A ferry crossing, a summer spent by the sea, a familiar shopfront or headland — these moments form the texture of a community’s identity.

Much of the work behind Lost Manly happens quietly: researching records, restoring fragile photographs, scanning original materials, and documenting stories before they are lost. This archival work is guided by care, accuracy and respect for the people and places represented.

From time to time, a carefully curated selection of restored images is made available as prints, calendars or keepsakes. This is not the purpose of the project, but a way of supporting its continuation — allowing the research, restoration and sharing of Manly’s history to remain independent and sustainable.

Lost Manly exists to honour continuity — to hold space for memory in a place that continues to change — and to ensure that the stories, images and lived experiences of Manly and the Northern Beaches are preserved for future generations.

Thank you for being part of this shared archive and for helping keep Manly’s stories alive.