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Genealogical Society of Victoria Inc

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Genealogical Society of Victoria Inc

Discover your family’s story with the Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV).

Whether your roots are in Victoria or worldwide, our library, education programs, research services, and community circles help you explore, connect, and share family history.

16/04/2026

GSV Collection Spotlight: Eurasian Roots by Barbara Moore

We have a family history book in our collection that traces the descendants of George Ah Kin — a Chinese immigrant who arrived in NSW in the 1850s — and Mary Higgins, granddaughter of an Irish convict transported on the Surrey I.

Together they raised 15 children, navigating prejudice and the White Australia Policy along the way.

From the goldfields to Federation, this book weaves together two extraordinary cultural stories into one Australian family saga.

Could this be part of your family history? Come in and explore our collection — you might just find yourself on the page.

📖 View the catalogue record here: https://tinyurl.com/4t4r5rhh

14/04/2026

Good Oil Discussion Circle: Using Excel (or something similar) for Family History Research

Are you looking for a better way to organise your research or track your ancestors details? Join us for a practical session on how spreadsheets can become your most powerful genealogical tool.

Whether you are a spreadsheet novice or looking to refine your digital filing system, this session will cover tips and tricks to keep your family tree data clean, searchable and professional.

Event Name: Good Oil Discussion Circle
When: Friday, 17 April 2026
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM AEST
Where: Online via Zoom (the session will be recorded & available to watch for a short period of time afterwards. Please register to receive the link via email)

This is a Members only session. Please ensure you register via the link below to receive the Zoom meeting details. Register via ‘The Good Oil Discussion Circle’ event page — https://www.gsv.org.au/current-and-upcoming-events

Not a member? Find out more here: https://www.gsv.org.au/membership-benefits-0

12/04/2026

The Family Photo Book: Where to Start!

We are thrilled to have Naomi Beder from Albumworks joining us for an exclusive session for GSV members.

Naomi will walk you through the wonderful world of photo books — why they're such a meaningful way to preserve your family history, how to get started on your first project and how to make the most of Albumworks' easy-to-use editor. She'll also share expert tips on scanning and retouching your precious old photos.

Special Offer: Albumworks is offering GSV members a special discount! Join us to find out more.
Wednesday, 16 April - 10:30am – 12:00pm
Free | GSV Members Only

Don't miss this chance to start transforming your photo collection into something your family will treasure for generations.

09/04/2026

Got boxes of research but no idea where to start writing your family story? You're not alone!

GSV's Writing Family Stories course is designed for exactly this. The course will be led by Professor Peter Sherlock and Dr Elizabeth Hartnell-Young. Over four interactive sessions, you'll learn to craft engaging 500-word pieces with one-on-one support from experienced mentors (authors, historians, academics & more).

Four Tuesday sessions: 28 Apr | 12 May | 26 May | 9 Jun
Time: 2:30–4:00pm AEST
Cost: $200 members | $300 non-members
Limited to 16 participants — spots will go fast!

Your family's stories matter. Let's help you tell them.

👉 Register here: https://www.gsv.org.au/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=3014

08/04/2026

GSV Collection Spotlight: Dating Your Family Photographs

Do you have old family photos but no idea when they were taken or who took them? Two fantastic resources in the GSV Library collection can help!

Dating Family Photos 1850–1920 by Lenore Frost: helps you identify when a photo was taken by examining clues like clothing, hairstyles, photographic formats and studio styles — a must for anyone with a collection of mystery portraits!

Australians Behind the Camera: Directory of Early Australian Photographers 1841–1945 by Sandy Barrie: an invaluable directory for identifying the studios and photographers behind your family portraits, helping you narrow down dates and locations.

Together, these two books are a powerful combination for bringing your old family photos to life and connecting them to the right people and time periods.

Come in and explore these resources at the GSV Library, you might just solve one of your family history mysteries!

View the catalogue records here:
Dating Family Photos - https://tinyurl.com/2v2sf5uk
Australians Behind the Camera - https://tinyurl.com/mryjsa79

06/04/2026

An Evening with the GSV: Exploring Your Membership

We understand that for many of our members, the working day doesn’t leave much room for research. That’s why we have scheduled this evening session to help you get the most out of your GSV membership from the comfort of home.

Whether you are a new member or have been with us for years, this introduction is designed to help you unlock your potential by navigating our collective knowledge and resources more effectively.

What we will explore together:

Our Community - how we support one another’s research goals
Our Collection - a look at the unique GSV resources
Home Access - practical steps for accessing these tools outside of our physical doors

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to attend one of these introductory classes or need a refresher, we invite you to join us for this dedicated after-hours slot.

When: Tuesday 14 April, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Cost: Free (An exclusive benefit for GSV members)

See our website to book: https://www.gsv.org.au/current-and-upcoming-events

Pro-Tip: If you haven’t attended one of these orientation sessions yet, this is your sign! It’s the quickest way to turn your membership into a powerhouse for your research.

02/04/2026

🐣 Easter Hours Notice
Please note our library and office will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
A great time to catch up on your family history research or simply take a well-earned break! 😊
We hope all our members and friends enjoy a safe and happy Easter. We look forward to seeing you on the other side!

01/04/2026

GSV Collection Spotlight: A Viking Saga - Asche Migration from Norway by Valerie Asche AM

What drives a Norwegian lawyer to cross the world, swing a pickaxe on the Victorian goldfields, rise to become a Geelong councillor, then go on to own one of Sydney's grandest hotels — all while never forgetting where he came from?

"Throughout his life in Australia he never failed to associate and welcome Norwegians… he never lost his identity as a Norwegian."

This is the remarkable true story of Thomas Asche, hotelier, civic leader and proud Norwegian immigrant — and a testament to the rich, often overlooked history of non-British settlers in Australia.

Tracing his journey from Ballarat's Golden Point to the grandest hotel rooms in Sydney, with love, loss and a family that spans the globe.

Stories like Thomas's are exactly why the GSV's International Settlers Group (ISG) exists. The ISG supports members researching non-British ancestry — offering research assistance, a quarterly Newsletter and quarterly meetings where members tackle each other's brick walls together.

Next ISG Meeting: Saturday 16 May at 1pm via Zoom. All members are invited to come along and join us.

Could Thomas Asche be part of your family history? Come in and explore our collection — you might just find yourself on the page.

View the catalogue record here: https://tinyurl.com/y4emwcuk

More about ISG: https://www.gsv.org.au/international-settlers-group-isgnon-british-research

30/03/2026

From a Laundry to 10 Million Records!

Did you know the Ryerson Index started with one woman, Joyce Ryerson, and a laundry full of newspaper clippings?

That "hoard" has now officially grown into a massive national treasure of over 10 MILLION Australian death, funeral and probate notices!

Join us at the GSV for a special session with President John Graham, who will explain how an army of volunteers have helped turn Joyce’s clippings into a digital goldmine.

What you’ll learn:
- How to navigate 10 million+ records like a pro
- Hidden search features you probably didn't know existed
- The future of the Index and how it continues to grow

When: Wednesday, 8 April from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Online via Zoom

Whether you're stuck on a family "brick wall" or just love a great Aussie history story, you won't want to miss this!

Book your spot now for this or other upcoming events - https://www.gsv.org.au/current-and-upcoming-events

Index

25/03/2026

Collection Spotlight | From Shipwreck to Nationhood
If you're researching family from the Port Albert or Alberton Shire areas, you need to know about Gwen O'Callaghan's remarkable work - Clonmel to Federation: Guide to People in the Port Albert area 1841-1901. Our current copy is two volumes, which was published in 2006.

Spanning 756 pages, this resource documents the people and development of Gippsland from the 1841 wreck of the paddle steamer Clonmel right through to Australia's Federation in 1901.

View our catalogue: https://tinyurl.com/gsofv
(Available to view in our library!)

Need help using our catalogue? Visit our YouTube channel .

Join the conversation:
Do you have ancestors from the Alberton Shire? Got a favourite item in our collection? Tell us what you'd like us to spotlight next! Email: gsv@gsv.org.au

24/03/2026

A Brilliant Start to the Australian Family History Course!

What a wonderful launch! Last Saturday, we kicked off our Australian Family History Course at the Library at The Dock and via Zoom. It was fantastic to see such a great turn out and a vibrant online community coming together to dive into our collective pasts.

A huge thank you to our incredible speakers who shared their expertise and inspired us all to dig deeper into our family stories.

Don’t miss Session 2: Finding and Using Convict Records!

If you couldn't make it to the first session, don't worry—you can still join us for individual sessions. This Thursday, we delve into one of the most fascinating aspects of Australian genealogy.

Presenter: Bronwyn Quint (Convenor of the Convict and Transportation Discussion Circle)

What to expect: An essential guide to the convict system, the records available to track your ancestors and how to use this data to bring your family narrative to life.

When: Thursday, 26 March 2026
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (AEDT)
Where: Online via Zoom

Cost:
GSV Members: $30 (Login to register)
Non-Members: $60

Secure your spot now! Click the link in our bio/comments to register. 🔗

23/03/2026

Celebrate Women’s History Month with us!

Researching the women in our family trees can often feel like solving a mystery. Records can be sparse, names change and stories are sometimes left in the shadows.

This month, the GSV VicTas Discussion Circle is dedicated to uncovering those "missing" branches. We want to hear from you!

- Who is a female ancestor from Victoria or Tasmania that you’ve discovered?
- What obstacles did you face while researching her?
- What specific records or "lightbulb moments" helped you find her story?

Whether you have a breakthrough to share or are looking for tips on where to dig deeper, come join our friendly online discussion circle (members only).

When: Friday, 27 March, 10:30 AM
Where: Online via Zoom

Register here: https://www.gsv.org.au/victoria-and-tasmania-discussion-circle

Let’s bring their stories to light together.

Address

Level 1 10 Queen Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm

Website

https://www.gsv.org.au/

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