Tell me about: the Noel Butlin Archives Centre

Tell me about:  the Noel Butlin Archives Centre

When:  Monday 20 July 7pm-8pm [Zoom only session]

Cost:  FHACT members: $10.50.  Non-members: $15.00

 All welcome.  Members and guests interested in attending should register for this event here. After registering to attend, you will receive an email with the Zoom link.

Unlocking Hidden Stories: Exploring the Noel Butlin Archives Centre for Family History

Did your ancestors work on the land, in a factory, or belong to a trade union? Their stories may be waiting to be discovered at the Noel Butlin Archives Centre.

Join Sarah as she tells us about the Noel Butlin Archives Centre, home to an extraordinary collection of business and labour records from across Australia, dating from the 1820s through to the early 21st century.

Discover a wealth of resources—staff records, union membership lists, photographs, maps, meeting minutes, and trade publications—that can bring ancestors’ occupations and daily lives into sharper focus.

Learn how to navigate this rich and often overlooked archive and uncover new leads that could transform your research. You may just find your ancestor’s story in places you never thought to look.

This presentation is suitable for family historians of all experience levels.

Our Tell Me About… sessions are short talks designed to give family history researchers a clear and engaging introduction to a specific topic. Whether you’re just starting out, returning to research after a break, or looking to broaden your existing knowledge, these sessions offer something for everyone.

Each session provides an overview rather than an in-depth workshop — enough to explain the “what”, “why” and “where to next”, and point you towards useful records, resources and further avenues of research. They’re ideal for sparking ideas, refreshing knowledge, and helping you decide what to explore in more detail.

Look out for more Tell me About sessions in the coming weeks and months.