Learn how to discover the story of your Australasian ancestors
FAMILY HISTORY DOWN UNDER | TRACK 3
Have you ever thought of looking into:
Each of these sources hold meaningful stories and answers to the real life mysteries your ancestors left.
To get insight into the lives of your ancestors, you'll need to find useful information...
Which leaves you with two options:
1. Try to track down the obscure sources, and then spend hours trying to figure out how to use them
2. Get help from over a dozen highly experienced family historians, who have spent years tracing their ancestors in hidden places
On Day 3 of Family History Down Under 2021, our experts will be leading you through a series of presentations designed to help you discover the stories your Australian and New Zealand ancestors left behind.
You get an extensive day of talks on a range of Australian and New Zealand research topics, be sure to look below at the program for a list.
Learn about the best resources and places to look for records. Also, gain a deeper understand of the history that influenced our ancestors.
Also, you will get access to the Australia & New Zealand Digital Hub, a private Facebook group where you can:
Importantly, you will be inspired and discover not only new ways track down your elusive relatives, but sources that reveal the depth of their stories.
And aside from all the great tips and tricks you will learn, you will have the opportunity to find mutual connections with other researchers!
Great question. To be specific:
Want to learn more? Keep scrolling.
Of course! Click here to see the full list of DNA presenters.
Here's a link to view the Australian & New Zealand Research program.
It's simple, just click the Book Now button below, and fill out the details requested.
We look forward to having you along for the ride!
Meet our Australia & New Zealand Experts
Imogen will be discussing the practicalities of land granting in the early years of an Australian colony. She will explain how people got land and the differences between grants made to convict and free settlers. This talk will share tips about finding and using historic maps, and equip you to interpret maps that add to your own research. Sponsored by the University of Tasmania.
A plethora of information and data is available for you at the Queensland Family History Society’s website. Step through and glimpse the world from it’s website!. Sponsored by Queensland Family History Society.
From the 300-page Addresses to Sir George Grey, to the Pioneer Women's Honour Roll, the Old Colonists Association Register to the C. Little & Sons Funeral Director cards, Auckland Libraries continues to digitise all manner of items for Aucklanders to enjoy. Join family history librarian Seonaid Lewis on a tour of these treasures and learn about the stories behind them, the information held in them, and how you can access them on Kura Heritage Collections Online. Sponsored by Auckland Libraries.
This presentation examines the value of wills and probate records for family history research. Documents found in probate files include original last will with testator’s signature, a death certificate, inventory of estate, affidavits, and correspondence. Personal examples are given, and all Australian states and territories are covered as well as New Zealand.
Find fascinating stories about your ancestors in the documents created by national, state/territory and local governments within Australia. All aspects of life are documented, from education to death, from their military service or occupations to their success or failure in business, detailing where and how they lived. All these provide the material for you to record a richer family history.
They went after an Empire – and they got it. But could the Japanese hold onto their massive victories? Would they and could they invade Australia? What was the key to pushing them back? Island-hop with MacArthur and Nimitz, and close in on the Home Islands in this comprehensive look at the action, with a former intelligence analyst who has seen modern combat.
Military records have a huge amount of genealogical information – dates of birth, marriage and death, familial relationships – and corroborating information – occupations, places of residence. This presentation, however, focusses on the family history information that can be extracted. This is the information you need to add depth to biographies or biographical sections of your family history writing.
In this presentation Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stewart from the University of New England will take you on a tour of British and Australian records that can be used to piece together the lives of transported convicts.
What was it like to fly in combat in World War II? In a word – dangerous. But more lives were lost to mishap and adventure than to the guns of the enemy. It was the biggest war in our planet’s history, and in many ways it was an air war, from the bombers dropping their deadly ordnance to the fighters that kept them safe. This presentation explains much of the reality – and debunks much of the myth.
This presentation will include where to find passenger lists - but what about those ancestors/relatives who do not appear on a passenger list; how do you find out when they arrived in New Zealand? We will discuss some of the records available which may help ascertain approximately when and where your ancestor/relative arrived so that you can at least estimate the arrival. Some of the methods used to find arrivals in New Zealand may also apply to other countries too. Sponsored by Auckland Libraries
The raid by 188 aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy on 19 February 1942 struck a hammerblow against Australia. But it was only one of 208 enemy aircraft missions against the country; many amassing bombers by the score to raid our northern coasts. Over the years numerous myths have sprung up: the government tried to keep the raids secret; thousands more died than were accounted for; the military ignored crucial warnings – and more. Find out the real story.
In this presentation Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stewart from the University of New England will share some tips for deciphering descriptions of tattoos and making sense of scar patterns and height measurements.
In this presentation Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stewart from the University of New England talks about the importance of digitising records in order to place lives in context. In the process he explores such issues as the long term health consequences of being locked in a solitary cell.
People from all around the world left their homes in search of a better life. Apart from those who came direct, many arrived In New Zealand having tried out Canada, the US, South Africa or Australia first. Let’s take a tour through New Zealand’s resources online available to help you find that lost Kiwi connection. Sponsored by Auckland Libraries
Why does the Navy employ poets? How do you find out what went on in grand-dad’s battalion – and what is a battalion anyway? Why don’t Service Records tell you much of a story, and where do you go next? Learn the secrets to researching your military friend’s and family’s past, and learn some background on Teddy Sheean VC – our latest Victoria Cross, and only the 101st in our history.
Sewerage is not something we instantly associate with our ancestors, nor is it a resource that many people have high on their list for checking. For those who have looked at sewerage plans, you will start to understand the value of this resource. But when you dig even deeper into sewerage records [pun intended!] you will start to understand why this is a magnificent resource. These records don’t discriminate between large mansions and small workers’ cottages – they are all encompassing – you just have to dig them out!
Have you been frustrated or stuck in your family history research? Been searching and researching for a very long time? Do you feel that you haven’t solved everything or that you still don't have the answers? These are common feelings of being frustrated, annoyed and stuck. By the end of this session, I will have given you some hidden pieces of the puzzle, to expand and grow your family history research. My hope that you feel less frustrated and annoyed, and instead feel inspired and equipped to try new ways and techniques to solve the puzzle.
The loss of the cruiser Sydney was the greatest maritime defeat the Royal Australian Navy has ever suffered. But it was only part of a huge naval war that raged around Australia’s coasts in World War II. Mine-layers; submarines, and surface vessels all cost thousands of lives in the war. Hear and read of the battles that menaced our country.
It is often thought that government gazettes contain only boring information and nothing of relevance to a researcher unless their family happened to work for the government. That is far from the truth! Check out these records and learn lots you won’t find elsewhere.
An overview of the online Diploma of Family History at the University of Tasmania – covering the course structure, what you’ll learn, and how we teach online. Sponsored by the University of Tasmania.
Approximately 3600 protesters were transported to Australia because of their participation in riots, union or national movements. Forced into an inhuman system of coerced labour, many more convicts engaged in acts of defiance after their arrival. Modern data visualisations bring new understanding.
As family historians we search for records and evidence of people and their lives. So often the house is overlooked as a family history resource, when in fact, houses are significant and valuable historical records. Houses document family and local history and even the history and development of a nation. In this presentation you will learn to understand the language of your house and how to uncover stories about a house and the people who have lived in it. Researching a house can take you on unexpected twists and turns as you examine family records, photographs, newspapers articles, official records to uncover layers of family and social history through the tangible material evidence that is a house.
”Breaking down brick walls in your family history research” looks at how to resolve stumbling blocks in your family history research using new and unique search strategies to find those missing relatives. Techniques covered include searching for a family using just the individuals' forenames, keyword search tools (using criteria other than a name to search on) and other advanced search techniques. The talk also covers unique data sets such as Tithe records, Occupational Records, Non-Conformist records, Will images, Parish Records, Military Records, Directories, Newspapers and more. This talk is suitable for all levels, for those with an interest in online research Sponsored by TheGenealogist.
In this talk, go beyond the basics of DNA testing and which test does what. We’ll look at pre-testing questions such as the differences between testing companies, privacy concerns, and what happens to your sample once your test is complete. We’ll also look at post-testing questions such as why you may not match someone you think you should, why you don’t recognize the name of people you do match, and the truth about “ethnicity” estimates. Sponsored by Family Tree DNA.
A look at what is available at home and at Family History Centre/Affiliate Library. Millions of names and records to extend and verify your research – or take you further. From countries around the world digitized images and indexes are available. Help is available and easily accessible for most countries. Original records covering many topics that can be researched by name, place and time. Sponsored by Family History Connections.
Doug Elms, VICGUM President, will review the types of records and information which can be obtained during family history research. He has also included an introduction to using a genealogy program – Family Tree Maker. As one of the main reasons for using a computer program is to generate family stories his presentation illustrates how to: commence a tree, add data to the tree and also to produce charts, reports and books. Sponsored by VicGUM.
Mark demonstrates the map record collections and tools that are available for researching your British roots. The talk features Tithes, The 1910 Land Survey, Surname Maps and an innovative tool to view these maps in relation to modern-day maps - MapExplorer.. Sponsored by TheGenealogist
MyHeritage is a genealogy platform established in 2003. With millions of records available to search and download, some unique to this site. The Library Edition allows access to search names, families and records of various events. With partnerships with many well-known sources of information and research this is definitely a valuable tool for researchers. Sponsored by Family History Connections.
This talk follows the history of the East India Company, the records they created, where these are found and how to access them using examples found during the speaker’s own research.
Findmypast is one of the UK’s largest family history websites and has the fastest growing collection of Scottish records online. With many more on the way, join resident genealogist Myko Clelland as we explore some of the key collections and expert techniques to get you further, faster. Skill level - all levels Sponsored by Findmypast.
The Victorian era is one of huge change in British society. Mass migration, the creation of new record types, and new technologies, all transformed our ancestors lives. This presentation will explore the records created during this period and how to get the best out of these on our genealogy journey. Skill level - all levels. Sponsored by Findmypast.
Many people know that Y-DNA follows the paternal line, but that’s about as far as they get. This talk looks at Y-DNA from the entry level Y-37 test to the comprehensive Big Y test. We’ll look at what results you should expect and help you determine which level is best for you and your research needs. Sponsored by Family Tree DNA.
According to learning experts, the first time you hear or watch something you only take in 20% of the information, at best! And we don't want you missing a beat!
So we're making sure that you have access to the recordings of every talk in the track(s) you book for. So don't stress—you can watch, review, and take in all the great content our experts are bringing you.
Shut the door, sit down, and don't forget the popcorn! Grab your notebook and relax in your own home while you enjoy up to 70 recorded webinars.
Each track has a focused theme from some of the best family history experts. The include DNA, Researching Abroad, Australia & New Zealand, and Methodology & General.
An innovative solution to help you interact with speakers and other family historians – four exclusive digital hubs (Facebook groups), one for each track theme.
Ask questions relating to the presentations and themes. Speakers and others with expertise are encouraged to participate.
Play and pause these presentations to your heart's content, so that you have time to implement all that you're learning.
Get immediate access to all recordings and review them at your convenience until 31 July 2021.
Get in the draw for $1000's of prizes for a huge range of family history resources.
Among the special offers from our exhibitors, there will be prizes drawn every two weeks. So buy now and don't miss out!
Tracks
1
Presentations
27
Recordings Access
Until 31 July
Bonuses & Prizes
AU$10,000
Q&A
Via Facebook Group
AUD
Tracks
4
Presentations
70
Recordings Access
Until 31 July
Bonuses & Prizes
AU$10,000
Q&A
Via 4 Facebook Groups
AUD
SAVE $205
If you're considering buying a package of recordings from Family History Down Under 2021, here's some useful information.
Prices are in AUD
With all the rollercoaster that was the last few months, we're sure you have lots of questions. Visit our FAQ page, or contact us via this form.
An inside community for those who want to get the latest updates and to have open discussion about Family History Down Under events.
The place where we share the videos from our presenters along with other news and updates.
Subscribe to our channel to get familiar with the FHDU 2021 presenters. Learn a little about their background, their expertise, and their story.
Prefer to receive your updates via email? Click here to join the FHDU Newsletter group. We email important updates and exclusive offers.