Well, that year went fast!
Michael Dominic Gaffaney with family circa 1915
Next week is the start of Family History month here in New Zealand and Australia.
Family History month Opening Ceremony (online): Tuesday 1st August 7pm NZST
The Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO) is hosting the opening and closing ceremonies for the month, with the opening event available online. Professor Hamish Maxwell-Stewart (University of New England) and Andrew Redfern will talk on the topic of ‘AI (Artificial Intelligence)‘. Register and request the Zoom link via their National Family History Month website. Limited to 99 attendees. For the closing ceremony on 31st August, Anita Jacoby will speak on ‘Dealing with sensitive material in family history research and publishing’. It’s currently an in-person talk only in Sydney, but if it’s recorded, details will be posted on the website.
Wellington Family History events, National Library, cnr Molesworth & Aitken St: Tuesday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd August
A series of events aimed at those just starting their family history journey is being organised by the Wellington branches of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists. These will be held at the National Library on four Tuesdays in August from 5.30pm and are also available online. You’ll need to register for the online option, but it’s free. For details, see the library’s website.
Auckland Family History Expo, Fickling Convention Centre, Three Kings: Friday 11th – Sunday 13th August
Free entry on Saturday and Sunday, and a small charge for the opening event on Friday night, with a huge range of lectures and workshops, and helpdesks available for different interest areas, organised by Auckland Libraries. I’m looking forward to giving two talks: All aboard for a new life (Saturday 4pm) and Schooling the Victorians (Sunday 3pm). For more details and the full programme, visit the Auckland Family History Expo page.
Christchurch Family History Expo, Tūranga, Cathedral Square: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th August
Organised by Christchurch Libraries, this event has a different format from last year, with three full days of activities. Friday is geared towards beginners with a series of workshops and how-to sessions, and Saturday has a great line up of speakers. The sessions on both these days are free, but booking is recommended. (I notice that one workshop on Friday is already booked out!) Sunday is billed as a family fun day. The full programme and booking links are on the Christchurch Family History Expo page.
There are other events happening around the motu and to find those local to you, check out the NZSG Family History month page, and the event calendar.