Latest Family History Group News

At our April meeting a speaker from the Act Heritage Library told us about the library, its aims, its resources and how to make the best use of them to fill out your family’s life in Canberra and its surrounds.  Importantly she also covered donating documents, magazines, newsletters and also school or club cookbooks that we have accumulated as members of Canberra schools, clubs and associations.  The Library welcomes these donations. Contact the Heritage Library for more information.

Helen Brinsmead at the May meeting gave a very informative presentation on military records at the National Archives of Australia. She explained why there are so many records at the NAA for one soldier or sailor or aircrew or nurse and the meanings behind the numbers and letters associated with each record.  She emphasised that there is a story behind every entry in a record!  There isn’t a written copy of her presentation but if you have specific queries contact me as I am sure Helen would assist you.  We enjoyed looking at records of people whose names were suggested by audience members.  The next meeting will be on Thursday 2 June.

The Family Tree Maker Group will meet on TUESDAY 17 May in Gumnut Cottage at 10.00.  This is a change of day and location and may suit those of you who have other committments on a Thursday. However, with the installation of the new pool table, it does clash with the meeting of the new pool group  and we may have to change rather than keep Family Tree Maker on a Tuesday!

The DNA Group will meet on Thursday May 26th in the Hall at 10.00am.  This is an informal group discussing whatever DNA related issues comes up at the meeting.  We will next meet again towards the end of May; look out for information here and on posters on the notice boards in the main building and in Gumnut. Join us even if you haven’t completed a DNA test.  Perhaps you are thinking about taking one – or wondering what to do with the results.  Again, all welcome.

And while I have your attention –  FindMyPast has a terrific collection of British and Irish newspapers on its website. I have just found my great grandfather at the Wexford Ireland magistrates court in 1890 arguing over an assault case. Searching by his name didn’t find this article but his address in Wexford did.  Just shows that broad searches sometimes brings interesting results.

Also – if you are considering writing the results of your research there is an interesting website by Carol Baxter who is offering online course (for a fee) on writing and publishing. She has written several books resulting from her research.  Check out www.writingfabulousfamilyhistories.com/home Thank you Beverley for the link.

Liz Dean

Updated 8 May 2022

Family History Group Meetings

Census return 1921 England and Wales census.

The Club Family History Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month at 10.00 to 12.00.  We meet in the Hall. This is an activity run by volunteers for the Club. The Activity Leader is Liz Dean 0409 323 014. Contact Liz for information about the Group.

We have a common interest in researching our own family history and family history in general, including the social history of the various times our ancestors lived. We focus on (but don’t restrict to) what can be discovered from the comfort of our own homes or local libraries through the internet.

We have a topic each month either chosen by the activity leader or suggested by someone in the group. There is occasionally a guest speaker and suggestions or offers to speak are welcome. We always break for morning tea to give a chance to talk informally. We also run beginners groups on an ad hoc basis. Currently there are two additional groups running: a group for those using (or thinking of using) the software program Family Tree Maker and a group for those who have tested their DNA (or are thinking of so doing).

There is internet access in the Hall providing access to family history and other useful websites.

Anyone interested in researching their family tree, beginners especially, are welcome. But also anyone interested in genealogy or history in general is welcome too.

The latest topic covered was ‘Printing family trees and other reports from Ancestry and from software programs’

Last updated on 15 March 2022