Genealogical Society of Victoria Inc

25/09/2025

Events in October at GSV

Please register on the website: https://www.gsv.org.au/current-and-upcoming-events

*GSV Writers Discussion Circle
Whether you are just starting or an experienced writer, the GSV Writers Circle connects you with like-minded, supportive members who want to make their family history research into readable stories.
01 Oct 2025 12:30 pm to 02:30 pm

*Welsh Research Discussion Circle
The Welsh Research Discussion Circle provides a chance for those tracing Welsh ancestry to share knowledge and experience and for those new to Welsh research to gain some hints.
02 Oct 2025 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm

*Researching your Scottish Ancestry back from Victoria to Scotland
The talk will outline the processes and resources available to research individuals from Victoria to their ancestors in Scotland
03 Oct 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

**GSV Annual General Meeting**
The Annual General Meeting of The Genealogical Society of Victoria will be held on Saturday 4th October 2025 at 2.00 pm onsite at Level 1, 10 Queen Street and via Zoom. Those wishing to attend in person must email gsv@gsv.org.au to confirm if seats are still available. All other participants will receive a Zoom invitation.

*ScotandsPeople Website
Presenters: John Blackwood and Paula Mitchell
The ScotlandsPeople website, www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk "is the official Scottish Government site for searching government records and archives. In this site you have access to the statutory registers of births, marriages and deaths; census returns; church records; evaluation rolls; and legal records from Scotland's courts of law".
06 Oct 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*DNA Study Group
Convener: Maureen Trotter.
This discussion circle is intended for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users.
07 Oct 2025 10:00 am to 09:00 pm

*Course - Writing Family Stories
This short course aims to inspire and educate family historians about how to write their family stories. The course is offered over 9 weeks through 4 90-minute sessions held online.
Starts 07 Oct 2025 02:30 pm to 04:00 pm

*Using DNA for Family History Course
Session 7: Sharing Your Progress
Convenor: Maureen Trotter will lead sessions providing ample time for questions and discussion.
08 Oct 2025 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

*South West England Research & Discussion Circle (SWERD)
Calling all GSV members delving into their family history within the picturesque South West counties of Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.
10 Oct 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

* Planting a Family Tree Online on MyHeritage
Speaker: Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert, MyHeritage Ltd.
Since 2006 Daniel has been working at MyHeritage liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world. This talk is a general overview.
14 Oct 2025 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm

*The Good Oil Discussion Circle
Convener: David Down.
The Good Oil sessions are designed to enable members to ask questions and to share their ideas, tips and tricks about a wide range of subjects relating to family history research.
16 Oct 2025 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm

* Maximizing MyHeritage Technologies for Family History Research
Speaker: Daniel Horowitz, Genealogy Expert, MyHeritage Ltd.
Learn more about the key technologies that make finding family members on MyHeritage quick and simple. Take an in-depth look at MyHeritage’s AI tools, matching technologies, DNA features, billions of historical records and receive helpful tips to leverage them for your genealogy research.
17 Oct 2025 7:00 pm to 08:30 pm

*Orientation Introduction to the GSV and its Resources
Host: David Down
This session will examine who we are, how we help each other with our research, what resources we hold and how best to access those resources from home and at the Research & Education Centre.
18 Oct 2025 09:00 am to 10:15 am

*Researching Your Family History
Methodology and resources. A planned approach to starting your family history. Searching, recording, staying on track, avoiding the pitfalls - there is much to learn from our experienced researchers.
18 Oct 2025
10:30 am to 11:30 am

*Counties of Northern England Discussion Circle
Convenors: Barbara Beaumont, Peter Collins, and Brian Reid.
Do you have ancestors in the north of England? We are an enthusiastic group that meets to discuss research and share interests in the north of England, covering the historical counties of Northumberland, Westmorland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland as well as the Isle of Man.
21 Oct 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*British India Discussion Circle
The British India Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in India between 1599 and Independence in 1947.
21 Oct 2025 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm

*Victoria and Tasmania Discussion Circle
Convenors: Jackie van Bergen and Michael Considine
Penny will talk to us about her research into the Victorian Acts of Parliament. We welcome others to share short stories about their ancestors brush with these laws.
24 Oct 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

*Talk - State to State series: Family History ACT
Speaker: Michele Rainger, President of Family History ACT
Michele will highlight the unique resources in Family History ACT society’s collection and answer questions about researching ancestors who lived and worked in the Territory.
28 Oct 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*Library Assistance Irish Assistance in the Library (2 sessions)
An opportunity not to be missed for those with Irish ancestry and especially if you need specialised assistance with something that is difficult to find. Experienced helpers will be available at the library to offer advice on your Irish research.
Limited to 6 people.
29 Oct 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
And
29 Oct 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*London and South-East Counties Discussion Circle
The London and South-East Counties Discussion Circle is for GSV Members who are researching their family history in London and the surrounding counties of Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, and East and West Sussex.
30 Oct 2025 10:30 am to 11:30 am

04/09/2025

Sale on Find My Past!

03/09/2025

The September edition of the GSV's award winning journal, Ancestor, is now available. Copies can be purchased from the GSV Centre at 1/10 Queen Street, Melbourne. Members will receive their copy via post or the membership area of the website.

26/08/2025

Are your family connected to Berwick? It would be wonderful to return these photos to their family.

25/08/2025

Events at GSV in September
Please register on the website: https://www.gsv.org.au/current-and-upcoming-events

*DNA Study Group
Convener: Maureen Trotter.
This discussion circle has been started for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users.
02 Sep 2025 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

*GSV Writers Discussion Circle
Whether you are just starting or an experienced writer, the GSV Writers Circle connects you with like-minded, supportive members who want to make their family history research into readable stories.
03 Sep 2025 12:30 pm to 02:30 pm

*Using DNA for Family History Course - Session 6; Digging Deeper
Convenor: Maureen Trotter will lead sessions providing ample time for questions and discussion.
10 Sep 2025 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

*England and Wales Discussion Circle
The meetings of England & Wales Circle will focus on topics that are pertinent to the whole of England and Wales.
12 Sep 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

**GSV Library Open this Saturday**
The GSV library will be open this Saturday, welcoming you from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For a smooth and secure visit, please remember that advance booking is essential. Ensure you reserve your spot no later than noon on the preceding Friday by phone or email.
13 Sep 2025 10:00 am to 03:00 pm

*Orientation: Introduction to the GSV and its Resources
The GSV is a leading Australian family history society and exists to assist Members in tracing their ancestors and to promote the study of genealogy.
This session will examine who we are, how we help each other with our research, what resources we hold and how best to access those resources from home and at the Research & Education Centre.
16 Sep 2025 10:30 am to 11:45 am

*British India Discussion Circle
The British India Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in India between 1599 and Independence in 1947.
16 Sep 2025 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm

*Researching Family History in Queensland
Kim Davis from the Genealogical Society of Queensland will discuss researching ancestors in Queensland and how the resources and expertise of her Society can assist with your family history research.
18 Sep 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

*Scottish Discussion Circle
“Far away over the sea to … Australia – travel from the Outer Hebrides and life in Victoria”. Several members will share the presentation we will be making to the Outer Hebrides Emigration Conference 30 Sep & 1 Oct featuring general comments on Scottish migration and stories of people from St Killda, Barra and Harris in Victoria.
20 Sep 2025 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm

*Family History Tips and Tools Discussion Circle
Convenor: Rebecca Landy
Our Tips & Tools forum examines the sources of family history information and explores how to use them more effectively.
24 Sep 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

*Victoria and Tasmania Discussion Circle
Convenors: Jackie van Bergen and Michael Considine
The Victoria and Tasmania Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in these two States.
26 Sep 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

20/08/2025

CLOSES 4PM FRIDAY

Entries for the GSV Writing Prize close this Friday at 4pm.

To refresh your memory of the competition Conditions of Entry visit https://www.gsv.org.au/gsv-writing-prize-2025

18/08/2025

EXPLORING AND USING THE SCOTLANDS PEOPLE WEBSITE
Monday Aug 18th: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm - Online
Free for GSV members and non-members.

Presented by John Blackwood and Paula Mitchell.
The ScotlandsPeople website, www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk "is the official Scottish Government site for searching government records and archives. In this site you have access to the statutory registers of births, marriages and deaths; census returns; church records; evaluation rolls; and legal records from Scotland's courts of law including Kirk Sessions records".
These include indexes and images.
This class on the ScotlandsPeople website will explore what's on the website, how to register as a user, buy credits, obtain certificates, as well as advice on researching the site.
Book via the events page of the GSV website. Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

18/08/2025

RESEARCHING FAMILY HISTORY IN NEW ZEALAND
Thursday Aug 21st: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm - Online

Sarah Hewitt from the New Zealand Society of Genealogists will discuss researching ancestors who lived in New Zealand and how the resources and expertise of her Society can assist with your family history investigations.
Free for members and non-members of the GSV. Go to the Events page of the GSV website to book.

31/07/2025

August is Family History Month, an initiative of the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO). Many societies and libraries, including the GSV, are offering family history events that are open to non-members. Some are in person, many are hybrid or online. Check the AFFHO website, particularly the drop down box of Family History Month, for a list of events and sponsors offering prizes. More events are being added every day, so keep checking back: https://www.affho.org/family-history-month-events/

29/07/2025

Have you published a book this year about your ancestors with links to Tasmania? You might be eligible to enter this award.
You also are definitely eligible to talk to the VicTas discussion circle about your book! Contact the GSV if you would like to express interest in presenting to VicTasDC.

Lilian Watson Family History Award Tasmanian Family History Society

28/07/2025

Events at GSV in August by Zoom
Please register on the website: https://www.gsv.org.au/current-and-upcoming-events

*DNA Study Group
Convener: Maureen Trotter.
For our August meeting our members are encouraged to share their brick walls…
05 Aug 2025 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

*GSV Writers Discussion Circle
Whether you are just starting or an experienced writer, the GSV Writers Circle connects you with like-minded, supportive members who want to make their family history research into readable stories.
06 Aug 2025 12:30 pm to 02:30 pm

*Welsh Research Discussion Circle
The Welsh Research Discussion Circle provides a chance for those tracing Welsh ancestry to share knowledge and experience and for those new to Welsh research to gain some hints.
07 Aug 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

* South West England Research & Discussion Circle (SWERD)
Calling all GSV members delving into their family history within the picturesque South West counties of Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.
08 Aug 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

**Library Research Day GSV Library Open this Saturday**
The GSV library will be open this Saturday, August 9, 2025, welcoming you from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For a smooth and secure visit, please remember that advance booking is essential by phone or email no later than noon on the preceding Friday.

*Irish Ancestry Discussion Circle
The speaker at our August meeting is Liz Pidgeon, the Local and Family History Librarian for Yarra Plenty Regional Library who will discuss strategies for breaking down "Brick walls in our family history research"
09 Aug 2025 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm

*Using DNA for Family History Course
Session 5: Confirming Your Tree and Solving Mysteries
Convenor: Maureen Trotter will lead sessions providing ample time for questions and discussion.
13 Aug 2025 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

*Midlands and East Anglia Discussion Circle
Convenor: Jenny Redman.
We will be discussing researching your ancestors in the counties that make up the Midlands of England: Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire etc
13 Aug 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*The Good Oil Discussion Circle
Convener: David Down.
At the August meeting we will discuss producing charts and reports from family history software programs as well as methods to add sources to events in a consistent manner.
14 Aug 2025 01:30 pm to 02:30 pm

*New and Existing Member Orientation: Discovering the GSV and our Resources
This session will examine who we are, how we help each other with our research, what resources we hold and how best to access those resources from home and at the Research & Education Centre.
16 Aug 2025 09:00 am to 10:15 am

*Researching Your Family History
Methodology and resources. A planned approach to starting your family history. Searching, recording, staying on track, avoiding the pitfalls ... there is much to learn from our experienced researchers.
16 Aug 2025 our experienced researchers
10:30 am to 11:30 am

*International Settlers Discussion Circle
Our August meeting will feature Bronwyn Paschalidis talking on introduction to researching ancestors from Scandinavia.
16 Aug 2025 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm

*ScotlandsPeople Website
Presenters. John Blackwood and Paula Mitchell.
The ScotlandsPeople website, www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk "is the official Scottish Government site for searching government records and archives".
18 Aug 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*Counties of Northern England Discussion Circle
Convenors: Barbara Beaumont, Peter Collins, and Brian Reid.
Do you have ancestors in the north of England? We are an enthusiastic group that meets to discuss research and share interests in the north of England...
19 Aug 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*British India Discussion Circle
The British India Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in India between 1599 and Independence in 1947.
19 Aug 2025 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm

*Researching Family History in New Zealand - talk
Sarah Hewitt from the New Zealand Society of Genealogists will discuss researching ancestors who lived in New Zealand and how the resources and expertise of her Society can assist with your family history investigations.
21 Aug 2025 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

*London and South-East Counties Discussion Circle
The London and South-East Counties Discussion Circle is for GSV Members who are researching their family history in London and the surrounding counties of Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, and East and West Sussex.
28 Aug 2025 10:30 am to 11:30 am

*Convicts and Transportation c/w Vic-Tas Discussion Circle
A combined discussion circle between the Convicts and Transportation Circle and the Victoria/Tasmania Circle.
28 Aug 2025 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm

30/06/2025

The GSV Research Team, particularly the late Yvonne Izatt, worked for over a year identifying and tracing the descendants of the WW1 volunteers whose story is told in the documentary 'By Far Kaymakchalan'. In this documentary, historian Bojan Pajić tells the forgotten story of 1500 Australian volunteers, some pioneers in their fields, serving in Serbia.
The film premiers on Sunday 20th of July at Cinema Nova Carlton as part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival. Tickets can be purchased via the Cinema Nova website.