General info

Researching in Queensland

Miss W. General info , , , , , , ,
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I am writing  a post for each state of Australia with a list of great resources for researching ancestors in that particular state.  Tasmanian records are held mainly at Libraries Tasmania where both archive and library resources are on the one website.

All headings link to the website.

Queensland State Archives

Like most other archives there are particular portals and collections to look through. Look at their How to start your research, then go on with the family history portal, then check the archives search area.

State Library of Queensland

The library has a special family history collection as well as many e-resources.

Queensland Family History Society

This is an extremely active society with many resources available. They have an excellent global keyword search for their entire website. But also remember to check out the dropdown menus for resources and online.

Judy Webster’s website

Judy is a very keen genealogist and put together many lists from indexes mainly around Queensland, some not found anywhere else. She also has lots of hints and tips for researching both in Queensland and elsewhere.

#ANZAncestryTime twitter chat

In November 2021, we had a twitter chat about Queensland. The first question related to resources to use when researching in Queensland.

Readers: What are other important websites you use to gather information when researching ancestors in Queensland?

Please read the comments as other family historians have added more websites to use.

Researching in New South Wales

Miss W. General info , , , , , , ,
Clker-Free-Vector-Images / Pixabay

I am writing  a post for each state of Australia with a list of great resources for researching ancestors in that particular state.  Tasmanian records are held mainly at Libraries Tasmania where both archive and library resources are on the one website.

All headings link to the website.

NSW Archives and Records

They have a great Family History Guide to all the records they have on their site. Check this out first before starting your research. Some of their records are online while some indexes are online but you need to visit to see the actual records which might still be on microfilm or microfiche. They also include some websites to visit for further information.

Their main website page is similar to other states with separate portals linking to specific topics such as musters, convicts etc.

State Library of NSW

The library has a guide for family historians as well as events relating to family history. You can also search the catalogue or the website from the same link.

From their main website page you can also find links to blogs, podcasts and news from the library as well as exhibitions that are often found online. There are also many collections and e-resources not necessarily related to family history that you can search.

Registry of births, deaths and marriages

This website has a search portal for family historians where you can see indexes for BDMs in the state. These go back to 1788. You can also check church codes and how to research adoptions. Results can be sent to you as PDFs or you can check with a transcription agent which can be cheaper.

Society of Australian Genealogists

This society is based in NSW but covers more than just this state. They have many talks, events and resources available both online and in person if you are visiting Sydney. They also have a members area which includes many resources for those people who sign up to the society.

CoraWeb sites for NSW

Cora Num has a website which includes links to hundreds of records around the world. On the main page, if you click on local history it will take you to a sub category for each state of Australia, including New South Wales.

Cyndi’s list sites for NSW

Cyndi’s list is similar to Cora Num’s website. It has thousands of links from around the world but especially USA. From the main page, browse categories for A – Australia. Once on this page go to States and Territories and then New South Wales.

Ryerson Index

This is a very handy site for more than just New South Wales. It looks at death and more recently funeral notices from newspapers around Australia. They have some of the more recent ones that are not included on Trove or other state BDM websites.

Readers: What are other important websites you use to gather information when researching ancestors in New South Wales?

Please read the comments as other family historians have added more websites to use.

Researching in Victoria

Miss W. General info , , , ,

I am writing  a post for each state of Australia with a list of great resources for researching ancestors in that particular state.  Tasmanian records are held mainly at Libraries Tasmania where both archive and library resources are on the one website.

Even though most of my relatives stayed within Tasmania since the 1830s, there were a few who travelled out of the state.

Clker-Free-Vector-Images / Pixabay

Many ex convicts left Tasmania and headed to Victoria especially to the gold fields around Ballarat. But part of the problem in following up these people is that some of the Tasmanian shipping records are not available and those that are found, often only have Mr Smith or Mrs Smith + 2 children – no first names. So how do you know it is your ancestor departing Tasmania and visiting Victoria?

The following websites are where I go to find more information about ancestors and their whereabouts in Victoria.

Public Records Office Victoria (PROV)

The home page for the family history section has many portals for different record categories. Some are online but others you need to visit the record office. Make sure you check out the topic guides, the book on issuu about using the archives and the online exhibition about using records to follow an ancestor’s life in the archives.

State Library of Victoria (SLV)

Again many collections to look through under different themes but also one on family history. These can also be searched by format eg photos, manuscripts, diaries etc. You might also find information through their blog on family matters. There is also a guide to researching your Victorian ancestors and has links to things like births, cemeteries, electoral rolls etc.

The Diggings

Gold mining ancestors

The first place to go to find information on gold mining is the research guide in SLV. Maps of the Victorian gold fields are found on this goldfields website. If you know you have a miner in your family and plan to have a holiday in the area, then this will be the best website to use as it also includes accommodation as well as history. Make sure you check the tags mentioned for gold history

Historical societies

If you have a family that remained in a particular area of Victoria, then contacting a local family history society might be a good idea. Often they will have folders of information on families and businesses in the district.  There are also historical societies for groups and institutions like ambulance, fire brigade etc.

Readers: What are other important websites you use to gather information when researching ancestors in Victoria?

Please read the comments as other family historians have added more websites to use.