FANCY yourself a bit of a detective with a nose for history? Delving into your own family tree could prove one of the most exciting stories you ever seek to unravel.
If you think there may be a bushranger, pirate, viking or two lurking around in your past, there has never been a better time to find them.
National Family History Week, 2nd-10th August, is a celebration of family history and family history research, and showcases the recent developments in genealogical research. What was once an often long and laborious task can now yield instantaneous results with the advent of the internet and other recent developments in technology.
“It’s high speed family history,” Dapto Family History Centre volunteer, Susan Knowles said.
“What used to take 12 months can now take 25 minutes or less. During Family History week we can show visitors the best internet resources for their research needs and how best to utilise them no matter what their level of computer knowledge.”
Family History Centre Director, Arthur Evans has been researching his family for 30 years and said in the past he could have spent up to seven years looking for one person.
“You would have to make trips to the Birth, Deaths and Marriages office to obtain certificates, order then wait for the films etc, usually at a cost too. Now, with these internet resources everything can be done from the comfort of your home or here at the centre.” Mr Evans said.
The Family History Centre also houses eight microfilm scanners, including one modern state-of-the-art machine hooked up to a computer, internet and printer. Information accessed can be stored on your own USB device or printed.
Accessing the Dapto Family History Centre and its resources is completely free with microfilms costing a mere $5 for 40 days usage. This was stunning news as other local family history centres can cost money just to get in the door. It is a cosy location too: peaceful and studious just like a miniature library.
“There has never been a better time to get a picture of where you and your ancestors come from. It’s exciting to compile a whole story and get a feeling for your ancestors,” Mr Evans said.
The Family History Centre is open every day, except Sunday, for Family History Week. Normal operating hours are Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 10-2pm and the first and third Saturday of every month 11-3pm. It is located within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, cnr of Avondale and Dale Streets, Dapto. Ph: 42 616721. Visit www.familyhistoryweek.org.au
