Discover something new about an ancestor this August for family history month at YPRL. Winter is the perfect time to gather family records, interview family members, discover information online and share family stories.
Our expert speakers will help you with your South Asian heritage, genetic genealogy and writing your family history. Take a virtual tour of your ancestor’s homeland and share books passed down from family members that hold special memories.
Join one of our family history groups or book a one-on-one session.
Have you searched our Family History & Research Digital Library lately? There is always new content on Ancestry, Findmypast, British Newspapers Archive and Gale Primary Sources . Explore today!
Want to get started now! Check out our tip sheet.
Explore our varied program of guest speakers, reminiscences of family history help. Book your spot now.
Family History Month Events
Biographical storytelling
Diamond Valley Library
Sunday 3 August, 2.00pm–3.00pm
Charlotte Chidell has researched the life of pioneer Katherine Rose Beale (1795-1856). The Beale family established the St Helena estate. Finding few reliable primary sources, her book, This Still Hearth tells the story of Katherine in a mix of fact and fiction.
In this presentation Charlotte will discuss her research, writing and pathway to publication journey and discuss various styles of storytelling to share your family history research.
Genetic Genealogy
Eltham Library
Wednesday 6 August, 11.00am–12.00pm
Genetic genealogy, the use of DNA to explore family history, has gained significant popularity in recent years. Join family historian Craig Smith who will provide a brief introduction and updates to DNA technology, associated platforms and online resources.
Researching your Family History in South Asian Countries
Thomastown Library
Monday 11 August 10.30am–11.30am
Learn how to research your family history in the South Asian countries' of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
South Asian Countries Family History Help
Mernda Library
Tuesday 12 August, 2.00pm–5.00pm
Book a one-on-one session for tips to learn more about your family history in the South Asian countries' of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Limited places.
My Books, My Memories
Mill Park Library
Thursday 14 August, 7.00pm–8.00pm
Bring along any personal books that remind you of your childhood, family members or special memories in your life and share in this fun reminiscences session.
Virtual Reality Travel
Mill Park Library
Tuesday 19 August, 11.00am–12.00pm and 12.00pm–1.00pm
Imagine walking down the back lanes and streets of your ancestor’s birthplace. Travel back to those places using our virtual reality goggles. Limited places.
Farming Families of Whittlesea
Whittlesea Library
Thursday 21 August, 2.00pm–4.00pm
Join members of the Whittlesea Historical Society who will present the history of some key pioneer farming families.
Warringal Cemetery
Heidelberg Cemeteries
Watsonia Library
Sunday 24 August, 1.30pm–3.30pm
Join members of the Melbourne DPS with local guest speaker David Weatherill who will discuss the history of Warringal Cemetery, Heidelberg and the Heidelberg Old Private cemetery.
Brick Walls in your Family History
Watsonia Library
Monday 25 August, 2.00pm–3.00pm
Every family history researcher will come across a research roadblock in their research journey. This presentation will discuss strategies and tips to tackle your stumbling block and discover the stories of your ancestors
Family Heirloom Reminiscences
Lalor Library
Tuesday 26 August, 2.00pm–3.00pm
Share heartfelt stories about grandparents and family life, traditions and recipes that continue to live on. Whether you bring a treasured item or simply a story to tell, we’d love to hear how your family’s past continues to inspire your present.
DNA and Family History
Ivanhoe Library
Thursday 28 August, 3.00pm–4.00pm
Craig Smith will describe how he used genetic genealogy to confirm the identity of his unknown great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.