Family History Month

Winter is a great time to turn to your family history research! This August, let Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s annual Family History Month program inspire you to learn more. We have author and expert speakers, a cemetery tour, opportunities to discuss your research challenges with hands on workshops, create a poppy and dedicate it to your military ancestor and more.

Register now for these events happening in August.

Introduction to Writing Family History 
Wednesday 2 August at Watsonia Library, 1.30pm–2.30pm
Tips and resources to start writing up your research in an interesting way.

Genealogy e-Resources 
Thursday 3 August at Ivanhoe Library, 11.00am–12.00pm
Monday 14 August at Mill Park Library, 1.00pm–2.00pm
An introduction to resources available at the library. The second half of the session will be your opportunity for hands on searching with assistance available.

Researching your Ancestors from India and Sri Lanka 
Thursday 3 August at Mill Park Library, 7.00pm–8.00pm
Family Historian Smita Biswas will share steps and tips to find clues about your family roots in India and Sri Lanka, including understanding the history, surnames, and official resources.

Vandemonians: the Repressed History of Colonial Victoria 
Saturday 5 August at Diamond Valley Library, 2.00pm–3.00pm
Prof Janet McCalman examines the stories of Victoria’s convict ancestors to find more than just criminal activity.

A Chinese Family History
Monday 7 August at Mill Park Library 1.00pm–2.00pm
Jack Chan has researched the history of his own Chinese ancestry in Australia. He has documented the story of one the first Chinese restaurants in Geelong.

Nillumbik Cemetery Tour 
Wednesday 9 August, Community event at Nillumbik Cemetery, 10.30am–12.30 pm
The Nillumbik Cemetery at Diamond Creek stands as a record of the pioneering families of the district. Learn about the lives of some identities of the past. Bookings essential.

Soldiers and Aliens
Thursday 10 August at Ivanhoe Library, 11.00am–12.00pm
June Factor will detail the forgotten history of the remarkable contribution of non-British subjects to Australia in World War II.

Poppy Making Workshop
Friday 11 August at Thomastown Library, 11.00am–12.00pm
Join local makers to crochet a poppy in remembrance of your military ancestor. You may contribute your poppy to a Remembrance Day display later in the year together with your dedication card to honour your Anzac.

History of Australian Motherhood
Saturday 19 August at Eltham Library, 2.00pm–3.00pm
Dr Carla Pascoe Leahy and Miranda Francis are researchers into the history of Australian mothers in the 20th century. Join them for a panel discussion on how mothering has changed over time.

British Surnames 
Tuesday 22 August, at Eltham Library, 11.00am – 12.00pm
Nick Cree will discusses his research on British surnames, with reference to census data representing the population of the Shire of Nillumbik. He will also discuss some examples of origins of some popular names.

You can also book in for a session with a volunteer tutor, join a Genealogy Group or Remember and Reminisce session.