COMMUNITY

Most of us know there is a wealth of information out there to help us identify our ancestors, but the challenge is finding it. ALLANA O’KANE writes that it can be as easy as A, B, C — and D.

Whether they were convicts transported for stealing a handkerchief or free settlers voyaging to Australia looking for a better life; whether they came from England or Scotland, Germany or Italy, China or colonial India, there’s a trail leading back to your ancestors.

How to access all that information and follow a lead through research and, most importantly, where to start, are the big questions.

Here are a few tips, as easy as A-B-C to help you discover all about you. A is for Archives

The Queensland State Archives at Runcorn has a huge range of documents to investigate. Search your family name online at qld.gov.au/recreation/arts/ heritage/archives/search-the-records

I found maps for the land allocated to my Danish 2xgreat-grandfather and the 1883 Clermont inquest into the death of my Irish 3xgreat-grandmother, after she wandered off in the bush and died exposure and exhaustion.

I even discovered the records of my grandfather, aged 2, being admitted to an orphanage in Rockhampton in 1910

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

because his father, a bullock driver, was away from home for long periods and unable to care for the children. B is for BDM (Births, Deathsand Marriages)

I find Queensland’s Registry of BDM is the most user-friendly of all our states and territories. BDM is free to search online at familyhistory.bdm.qld.gov.au C is for Census

These records provide a snapshot of our ancestors on census day - where they lived, their occupations, places of birth, who else was in their household. D is for DNA

There are a number of companies providing DNA kits with results in varying degrees of complexity. These tools are providing family history enthusiasts with valuable insights into their ancestors as well as rewarding links to others who wish to share their ancestry.

The family of one of my ancestors, convicted and sentenced to life at the Old Bailey in London in 1813 and transported to NSW in 1815, remained stubbornly unknown.

That is, until DNA testing of his 4x great-grandson linked convict John Primrose to another family entirely. So John’s father was not a Primrose but a Heriot – one mystery solved and another revealed.

Additional extremely useful letters to use in your family history research are QFHS – our own Queensland Family History Society.

QFHS Family History Open Day, Saturday, August 21, 10am-3pm at 58 Bellvue Ave, Gaythorne. Come and learn how we can assist you to “discover you with A-B-C-D-Ease”. Sandgate and District Museum will be hosting mornings with devonshire tea served with ample amounts of free history on the last Thursday of each month at 10am.

The first is on August 26, when local historians will address topics on residences, identities, businesses and the lifestyle of Sandgate’s bygone era.

There will be plenty of time to chat and share information and ask questions.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited. Cost is $10.

Phone the museum on Wednesday or Sunday 3869 2283, or leave a message other days. Alternatively email info@ sandgatemuseum.com.au

OLDER WOMEN NETWORK

WOMEN over 50 are invited to join an exciting new group just for them.

A new branch of The Older Women’s Network will be launched in the community room at The Atrium Lutwyche Retirement Village this month.

There’s a free morning tea and an interesting guest speaker. Women interested in social activities and making new friends are invited to attend.

RSVPs welcomed. Call 3358 2301.

The Atrium, 15 High St, Lutwyche. Wednesday, August 18, 10am. Visit ownqld.org.au

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Our History

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