Knowing your generational story firms the ground upon which you stand. It makes your life, your struggles and triumphs, bigger than your lone existence. It connects you to a grand plotline.
- Cicely Tyson, Just as I Am
Family History can bring our ancestors to life.
Whether you are a researcher or simply want some inspiration, this year’s Family History Month program has something for everyone.
This August enjoy topics from DNA discoveries, photo management, European family history, Oral history tips, family history stories to inspire and more. We welcome our expert speakers and invite you to some hands-on workshops.
Our regular programs include our Family History Help opportunities and Genealogy Groups.
Book your spot now!
Guest Speakers
A Venetian girl in Wagga Wagga
Trisha Boetto has written a memoir of her mother from stories told around the kitchen table. A Venetian girl in Wagga Wagga is a story of migration, faith and love for family that Trisha wrote with the help of her life writing group.
Saturday, 3 August, 2.00pm—3.00pm, Eltham Library
Pioneer families of Whittlesea
Join members of the Whittlesea Historical Society who will present photos from their collection and touch on the history of some of the families who helped lay the foundations for the City of Whittlesea.
Wednesday, 13 August, 2.00pm—3.00pm, Whittlesea Library
Declutter your digital photos
Saturday, 17 August, 2.00pm—3.30pm, Eltham Library
Declutter, sort and preserve your printed photos
Learn the five Golden Rules of Photo Organising, and tricks to manage your photos.
Wednesday, 21 August, 1.00pm—2.30pm, Mill Park Library
Using DNA for Genealogy
Having discovered at age 22 that he was adopted, Dr Paul Power embarked on an unsuccessful search for his biological mother. Later, with the advent of DNA, he discovered members of his biological family. Hear his personal joruney.
Sunday, 18 August, 2.00pm—3.30pm, Diamond Valley Library
Find Your Family Online
An introduction to resources for your Australian research accessible in the library as well as other free key sites.
Thursday 22 August, 10.00am—11.00am, Ivanhoe Library
Research your European Family History
Tips to researching your family history in Europe with Michael Rumpff.
Monday 26 August, 11.00am—12.00pm, Thomastown Library
Introduction to Oral History
Start that conversation with elderly relatives. Learn tips on how to conduct an oral history interview.
Wednesday 28 August, 2.00pm—3.00pm, Watsonia Library
Workshops
Digital Scrapbooking
Use MS Word to create your own digital scrapbook page. BYO own device, digital photos and prepared text.
Monday 12 August, 1.00pm—3.00pm, Watsonia Library
Scrapbooking your Memories
Create a scrapbook page, dedicated to your ancestor.
Friday 23 August, 10.00am—11.30am, Ivanhoe Library
Discussions
Memories of your Grandparents
Tuesday 20 August, 10.30am—12.00pm, Lalor Library
See full details of events including our regular groups and Family History Help sessions.
Enjoy free access to Genealogy e-Resources including Ancestry, Find My Past, British Newspapers Archive and Gale Primary Sources.