Genealogy and History Societies

Acknowledging more than three decades of work by the Irish Ancestry Group (IAG), Dr Val Noone speaks with Carmel McEvey on Des Regan and the early days of the IAG; Anne Bladeni on her father Des Regan; Linley Hooper shares some reflections on Irish ancestry work as a librarian; Dr Liz Murphy the former Vice-Chairman of the group speaks about some of the founding members and early activities; Maureen Doyle speaks about her involvement from 1999; and finally Des Dineen talks about their visit to Belfast in 1988.

Jillian Hiscock, the RHSV Collections Manager, describes the extensive range of collections held by the Society and how they may be able to assist family historians. For example, they hold a unique collection of documents entitled the Victorian Pioneer Register. The collection contains documents completed by colonists who arrived in Victoria prior to 1856 who were invited to provide information about themselves and their families.

The Swan Hill Genealogical & Historical Society hold many historical records relating to Swan Hill and the surrounding district. Their experience and skills will assist you to trace your families if their lived and worked in the area.

The presentation describes the activities of the Lilydale & District Historical Society and how they are able to assist with researching families in the area. They have an extensive collection of documents and images especially of Dame Nellie Melba and her career.

This presentation outlines the activities of the Wodonga Family History Society and how, with their resources and experience, they are able to assist individuals to trace their family history in the area. They have extensive holding of records relating to north-eastern Victoria.

Stuart Hamilton, the Vice-President of the Port Phillip Pioneers Group, provides a history of the development of the Port Phillip District until 1851 and outlines the assistance that the Group provides to their members who are research family who settled in the district in the early days.

Members of the West Gippsland Genealogical Society discuss the records, expertise and experience available to assist you with researching west Gippsland ancestors.

Information for website: Tom O'Dea, the developer of the GSV Member Research Interests Database, describes the background to this project and provides a detailed demonstration of the functionality of the system.

Terry Young provides and overview of Chinese Australian Family History of Victoria (CAFHOV) CEDT Index website, how to search it and the visualisations created using the Index data.

Sophie Couchman introduces the CAFHOV project which has indexed the Victorian CEDT Index. She provides an explanation of the Index and shares some of the stories of the people uncovered using the Index.