There are some hints and suggestions on these pages that may help you get started, if you haven't already. However there will come a time when you could use some help with your research.
If you cannot visit our centre, you may browse our indexes and add names you're interested in to a list. From there you can submit that list to us for research. You may pay instantly by Paypal or if you prefer, bank transfer or cheque. Alternatively, download the form below, complete it and send it to us.
All postal research to be sent to:
Wangaratta Family History Society
PO Box 683
Wangaratta
Victoria 3676
We have a large collection of local and overseas resources in our library.
Start with yourself and family records such as birth, christenings, marriage, or death certificate. Use family stories as a base for verification of events.
Family school records, photos, awards, and service records, deeds, family bibles. Obituary notices, diaries, letter and cards, etc;
You can obtain information from the Records Office, census returns, military / navy records, probate records, land and property (titles), Church records, naturalization records, court and inquest records, shipping records (overseas and inwards), newspapers (state or local library), history groups.
Visit family history groups and museums to get an understanding of their daily lives and the hardships your family endured. Visiting cemeteries and the reading the headstones can give you lots of information.
Our group exchanges newsletters with other groups and can share the pitfalls of sending for information and that feeling of hitting the brick wall.
Information that may be found on Certificates.
Birth Certificates: name of person; name of father, his age, birthplace, and previous issue; name of mother her age, maiden name birthplace; place and date; married, place and date; occupation.
Marriage Certificates: date and place of marriage; ages and birthplace; parents of the bride; parents of the groom.
Death Certificates: name and date of death; place of death; occupation; sex and age; place of birth, time in Australia; father's name, his occupation; mother's name, place of marriage; ages at marriage; name of spouse; children of marriage, informants name, ages of children; cause of death; length of illness, medical attendant, minister and religion, undertaker; witnesses; where registered.
Compare this information against other records you may have.
Ancestor Profile
You may wish to write a story of your ancestor. These guidelines may be of assistance to you.
Use these guidelines to begin writing about your own family.