It’s that time of year again! Everything takes a backseat to genealogy as Family History Month is celebrated across Aotearoa and Australia (or is that just for me?). Lots of chances to learn more about researching your whakapapa|family history both online and in person, and I’m excited to be involved with a couple of events this year. Here’s some of what’s happening around the motu:
Family History Day, Tauranga Library: Saturday 6th August 10am – 4pm
A day of family history discovery in person at Tauranga Library, or via Zoom. Speakers include Michelle Patient, Fiona Brooker, Morag Hughson and Emerson Vandy. Register for this free event.
Auckland Family History Expo, Fickling Convention Centre, Three Kings: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th August
Free seminars, tutorials and research assistance across a wide range of topics available during the weekend organised by Auckland Libraries. Free entry on Saturday and Sunday, and a small charge for the opening event on Friday night. I’m giving two presentations: Finding Private Clark, 19th century soldier (Saturday 3pm) and Tracing Property in England – from Domesday to present day (Sunday 10am), as well as a workshop on how to make the most of Findmypast (Sunday 12pm). For more information and the full programme, check out the Auckland Expo webpage.
Christchurch Family History Expo, Tūranga, Cathedral Square: Friday 19th – Sunday 21st August
Talks and workshops from genealogists, local and family history enthusiasts and international experts in family history research, organised by Christchurch Libraries and Memories in Time. Free entry on Saturday and Sunday, with a small charge for the evening function on Friday. Some workshops over the weekend require booking. I’ll be talking about Finding your family’s footprints in Ireland on the Sunday at 2pm. More information and the full programme is on the Christchurch Expo webpage.
Wellington Family History Day, Pātaka, Porirua: Saturday 20th August 10am – 3pm
Back to Basics workshops and talks organised by the Wellington branches of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, with speakers including Joan McCracken from the National Library and Steve Watters from Te Ara, and helpdesks and experts on hand to answer your family history research questions. Free entry. For the programme, see the Wellington Family History Month Facebook page.
Dunedin Educational Seminar, Dunedin Public Library: Sunday 21st August 10.30am – 3.30pm
A one-day seminar with Heather Bray, organised by the Dunedin branch of New Zealand Society of Genealogists. $10 for non-branch members. Email dunedin@genealogy.org.nz if you’d like to attend. Programme for the day: Heather Bray Aug 2022 Educational Classes [PDF 222KB].
If you don’t fancy getting out and about, winter is a good excuse to stay in and research from home!
Family History Month with Findmypast
Findmypast are highlighting some of their Australian and New Zealand resources this month: Unlock your heritage this Family History Month. Plus! They’re offering a special Family History Month discount on any of their one month and 12 month subscriptions through the Findmypast AU site. Valid until 31st August.
Disclosure: I’m a Global Ambassador for Findmypast, helping to highlight records you can find, plus news and upcoming events. As part of the Friends of Findmypast program, I receive a free Australian Pro subscription.
