Family history has been described as the fastest growing hobby in the world. While it can be time-consuming, it will set you on a fascinating and fun-filled journey of discovery.
Where to start?
There are many ways to get started. Begin by talking to your family members. Establish names, dates of birth, dates and places of family movements, including dates of arrivals in Australia if family members were born elsewhere.
Contact the local cemeteries, churches, electoral offices, local history groups and libraries. These are all sources of valuable information that will help you establish the facts that guide your search.
When you are ready to begin your detailed research there are a number of key agencies that hold genealogical sources and information.
The State Library of South Australia
Specialises in South Australian resources and also holds extensive materials relating to England and Ireland. A wide selection of interstate and other overseas resources are also held.
Guides to particular family history resources (such as Electoral Rolls, Shipping and Passenger Records, Births, Deaths and Marriages etc) have been compiled. Staff members are available to assist with queries and specialised publications.
The Family History Collection is located in the Spence Wing on level one of the State Library, with access from North Terrace.
North Tce, Adelaide
Tel. 8207 7250
The National Archives
Holds material of interest to family historians. While it holds some colonial records, for many genealogists the richest sources are records created during the 20th century.
They reflect the growing involvement by government in the lives of individuals throughout this century - whether as immigrants and refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of defence forces, government employees, recipients of welfare, subjects of surveillance by security and intelligence agencies or as prisoners of war.
The publication A guide to the genealogical records in the National Archives illustrates the diversity of the family history collection and has been developed to assist researchers using the Archives. It can be purchased online or in person at any state branch.
26-28 Leigh St, Adelaide
Tel. 8204 8787
The South Australian Genealogy & Heraldry Society
Promotes and encourages the pursuit of family history and allied subjects in South Australia. Services include a library, book shop and research services. While the emphasis is on South Australian materials, the society also holds records for other Australian states and territories, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Membership is open to all with an interest in genealogy and family history. New members pay a joining fee with their first subscription.
Membership entitlements include a quarterly journal, free entry to the society’s library, reduced rates for society services, including research services and reciprocal rights when visiting most major interstate genealogical societies.
Non-members can access the library for a fee and a research service is offered for people living in rural areas.
Special interest groups cater for members with an interest in particular areas of research. Details of the groups, including meeting times, are available from the Society headquarters.
201 Unley Rd Unley
Tel. 8272 4222
The South Australian Maritime Museum
Has a database of passenger and shipping lists providing details of all South Australian arrivals between 1836-1899 and 1919-1956. Use of the database is free although a nominal fee is charged for printouts of search results.
The museum is open 10am - 5pm daily. An entrance fee of $10.00 (concession $8.00) applies.
Other Divisions of the History Trust of SA, including the Migration Museum, offer interesting background information on early settlement of the state plus an extensive historical photograph collection. Telephone the Trust on 8203 9888 for further details.
126 Lipson St, Port Adelaide
Tel. 8207 6255
The South Australian Museum - (Indigenous Information Centre)
Provides a research service for both family and community histories.
Access should be sought through staff of the Aboriginal Family History Unit at the Museum in person or by telephone or letter.
North Terrace, Adelaide
Tel. 8207 7410
State Records of South Australia
The official custodian for all records of the SA government, statutory authorities and Local Government bodies.
Records covering almost every facet of the public history of SA offer invaluable primary source materials such as passenger lists, school records, Governor’s office records, district council records and Marine, Harbours and Railways records.
Formats include documents, maps, plans, microforms, audio tapes, video tapes and a large photographic collection.
Public research and reading facilities are open to the public Tuesday to Friday. An archivist is in attendance to assist with research enquiries, ordering of records and reproduction/photocopying services.
115 Cavan Rd, Gepps Cross
Tel. 8204 8791
26-28 Leigh St
Adelaide
8204 8791
Church agencies
Are often a source of information through parish records, school registers and records for baptisms, confirmations, marriages and burials. The following church agencies offer services to the public:
Adelaide Catholic Archives
Include parish registers and various newspapers in their collection.
39 Wakefield St, Adelaide
Tel. 1800 139 020
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints [Mormons]
Has collected microfilm copies of many genealogical sources both from Australia and overseas. Members of the public can contact the Church’s Family History Centres at:
Von Braun Cres, Modbury North
Tel: 8263 1995
Cutting Rd, Marion
Tel: 8276 7849.
The Lutheran Church Archives
Has many records relating to early German settlers in Australia and a limited collection of records from New Zealand Lutheran churches.
27 Fourth St, Bowden
Tel. 8340 4009
