Helping the community research their family across generations and across the world. An Area Group at Bendigo also holds monthly meetings with invited speakers.
Founded in 1973 by Donald Grant (1932 - 2011) and Peter Foard (1938 - 2001) the first President and Vice-President, AIGS is now known as Family History Connections and has grown. There is an extensive Resource Centre at Blackburn where volunteer Library Assistants are always available to assist members and visitors with their family research. Bendigo has its own library holdings and voluntary Library Assistants to assist members and visitors with their family history (see their website: http://www.bendigofamilyhistory.org)
A variety of interest groups hold monthly meetings in the Resource Centre at Blackburn, combining research assistance and shared knowledge in small groups. Membership of FHC includes a subscription to The Genealogist, our award-winning quarterly magazine with regular research columns, individual family research articles, lists of New Resources purchased for members and details of upcoming seminars and classes. The Alexander Henderson Award was created in 1973, recognising the best family history published in Australia each year. In 2012, a companion Award for a biography with a family history focus, the Don Grant Award, was created and is also awarded annually.
11/03/2026
Do you want to learn about how AI is becoming the cornerstone of modern genealogy, enabling platforms like Ancestry, Family Search and MyHeritage to analyse billions of records as your 'super-powered assistant'. Is it too good to be true? Can AI transcribe, translate records, analyses DNA matches and create detailed family narratives? Come and join us at the AI and Family History conference March 21st 2026. Limited in house spaces still available or book to watch in the comfort of your own home. Bookings at trybooking.
Join Family History Connections for our Annual Seminar, a wonderful day event. Meet our keynote speaker, Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., who is a...
06/03/2026
To all genealogists be aware the resource centre is open now. All enquires welcome. Family History Connections Blackburn
06/03/2026
AI and Family History: Unlocking the Past with Technology
Join Family History Connections for our Annual Seminar, a wonderful day event.
Meet Andrew Redfern in person. He is an engaging and experienced presenter with a background in education, technology and theatre.
During the seminar, he will share insights into how artificial intelligence is affecting genealogy.
Come and visit the Family History Connections resource and library centre. Opens this Saturday 21st February at 10am until 4pm. Located opposite Blackburn Railway Station. All welcome come and enjoy a chat about family history we would love to hear from you. Unit 1, 41 Railway Rd
(corner of Queen St)
Blackburn VIC 3130
The link for FHC members will be emailed prior to the webinar
04/02/2026
AI and Family History Conference presented by Family History Connections and hosted by PMI Victorian History Library. Meet Andrew Redfern in person. He is an engaging and experienced presenter with a background in education, technology and theatre.
During the seminar, he will share insights into how artificial intelligence is affecting genealogy.
Registration through trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1507829
30/01/2026
We are taking bookings for our AI and family history conference March 21st 2026. Online or in person. Early bird bookings close 14th February 2026. Key note speaker Dr Blaine Bettinger. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1507829
29/01/2026
Great volunteer morning tea. Thanks to our great team of volunteers, so knowledgeable on family history, stories and people. Come and join the great team Family History Connections. history
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The Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies (AIGS) was founded in 1973 by Don Grant and Peter Foard, who became the first President and Vice-President. The AIGS grew over the years, moving several times as the membership and resources increased. There is an extensive Library at Blackburn, where volunteer Library Assistants are available to assist members and visitors with their family research.
In 2018, a new registered business name was launched - Family History Connections - to better reflect the work of the organsiation. The original logo has been retained and the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies name is still used for legal and financial purposes.
The Bendigo Family History Group holds monthly meetings with invited speakers, and has an extensive resource collection which is housed in the Bendigo Library. They also have voluntary Library Assistants to assist members and visitors with their family history, particularly in the Bendigo area. Read more
A range of Interest Groups hold monthly meetings to share information, help members with their research and to host guest speakers. Read more
The award-winning magazine, The Genealogist, available to all members in either hard copy or as an e-journal, is published quarterly.
Two family history book awards are presented annually - the Alexander Henderson Award and the Don Grant Award. Read more
