Bequests

Make Family History Part of Your Legacy

You can contribute to the long-term collection, preservation and promotion of Family History ACT by remembering The Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Inc. in your Will. Family History ACT is a registered business name of The Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Inc.

In doing so, you can make Family History ACT part of your legacy to your community and family.

You will be supporting the development of Family History ACT as it nurtures future generations of people who share your love of family history and respect for Family History ACT members and their work.

You may simply leave an untied bequest to Family History ACT to maintain its diverse activities, or you may specify a purpose, such as ‘for the development and preservation of the collection in all its forms’.

You may also indicate how you would like your name and contribution to be remembered.

There is no obligation to notify Family History ACT that you are leaving a gift in your will, but we would be delighted to know, so that we may ensure that your generosity is acknowledged in your lifetime.

We have set out below some sample clauses, which may be useful to your solicitor.


General Bequest:
'I give and bequeath the amount of $____to The Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Inc. ABN 50 317 924 321, located at the Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT 2614.'

Percentage Bequest:
'I give and bequeath ___% of the total value of my estate to The Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Inc. ABN 50 317 924 321, located at the Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT 2614.'

Bequest of a Residue:
'The residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, wherever situated, I give and bequeath to The Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Inc. ABN 50 317 924 321, located at the Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT 2614, to be used as the Society's Council directs.'

Designated Bequest:
'I give and bequeath to The Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Inc. ABN 50 317 924 321, located at the Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT 2614 the sum of $____ to be used for the ______ (specific program, project, etc.).'
If you decide to use the last clause, it would be prudent to also add a contingency clause saying, 'Should this program no longer be needed, the bequest may be used as the Society's Council determines.'

'The written acknowledgement of the Society is to be accepted by my executors as a full and complete discharge.'


Please note that the above clauses are samples only and you should obtain your own legal advice on these matters. Everyone’s circumstances are different and your estate planning needs to be tailored accordingly.

Your solicitor can provide further assistance and advice, especially if you wish to add a Codicil rather than draw up a new Will.

Family History ACT (FHACT) promotes and develops the study and preservation of family history, genealogy, heraldry and allied subjects. It assists members and the general public in research in these areas and encourages and supports members in the production of literary works. In support of these goals FHACT provides advisory and other services, acquires and develops resources of various kinds such as books and journals, and maintains and operates a library, reading rooms and other facilities, for the use of members and the general public. It publishes a journal and newsletters for members and enters into co-operative relationships with other societies and organisations which have similar goals.