Family history and genealogy

The Family History Collection consists of birth, death and marriage records for all Australian States, as well as cemetery registers, electoral rolls, probate indexes, shipping records, handbooks and directories. You can research your family tree with free access to ancestry databases in the library.

Genealogy databases

• Ancestry – Library members have access to more than 1.5 billion names in over 4,000 databases. Includes records from US census, military, court, land and probate, church records, passenger lists. Electoral Rolls 1903-1980 are now available online.
• MyHeritage Library Edition™ – One of the largest, most internationally diverse genealogy databases of its kind in the world. It includes billions of historical documents from more than 48 countries, millions of historical photos, public records, indexes and additional resources.
• The Australian Newspapers Collection – Search two of the most influential Australian newspaper: The Age (1854-2000) and the Sydney Morning Herald (1831-2000).
• State Library of NSW has a comprehensive range of historical newspapers printed in Britain.

Link to family history databases

Join the family history research group

Individuals in the group work at their own pace in researching their family history, ancestors and genealogical goals. The group has been going strong for over 15 years and help each other by way of discussions, knowledge, and skill sharing.

Our Community History staff member is also available during these sessions to guide and help with tracing your genealogy / family history.

All are welcome to join.  It is preferrable to be computer literate, able to search the web and have an active email address. You will also need to bring your work and have knowledge or records of dates and events of your ancestors like birth, marriage, and death.

During these sessions the library provides tablets and access to genealogy / family history databases like My Heritage Database, Ancestry and other web resources.

Ashfield Library
Level 3, Ashfield Civic Centre
260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield.

February to November, second Tuesday of the month, 10am-12pm.  

No bookings required. View the calendar.

Tips for tracing your family

Remember that the starting point with all family history research is to begin with you and work backwards.