Celebrating Family History Month

Family History Month was a busy time for Family History ACT, filled with events, activities, and opportunities to learn, connect, and share. From guest presentations and behind-the-scenes visits, to hands-on research support and community outreach, members welcomed the chance to learn, explore new resources, and enjoy each other’s company.

We started the month with a joint monthly meeting on 5 August with our colleagues from the Canberra and District Historical Society where Nick Swain presented People of Old Queanbeyan. A lively discussion followed, with many attendees sharing personal connections to the area.

In mid-August the Friday Coffee and Chat convenors organised a visit for FHACT members to the Charles Bean Research Centre at the Australian War Memorial.  Members were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at many of the treasures held by the Centre, including rare 3D maps and original Red Cross records for POWs. The visit concluded with a presentation on how to access records online, as well as an opportunity to explore the centre at leisure. 

The Chip Away at those Brick Walls day for members on 23 August was hugely successful.  Members had the chance to meet at Cook for a one on one with FHACT volunteers specialising in English, Convict, Irish, Scottish and DNA research.   It was also a great opportunity for members to catch up over a friendly cuppa.

We wrapped up Family History Month with some community outreach at Lanyon Homestead on 30 August at the Turn Back Time event. Barb Toohey presented Kick-off Your Ancestry Journey with Family History ACT’s Top Tips. Many thanks to Barb for introducing the magic of family history to a new audience.

Our members also enjoyed our regular lineup of special interest groups and software user groups - the India, Scottish, Convicts, Writers and AI for genealogy special interest groups, Family Tree Maker software user group and the research help provided by Pauline’s Parlour and hands-on in the library sessions available each month. Family History Month was a great time for our members and volunteers to come together.