Society of Australian Genealogists

28/03/2026

Our latest issue of Descent is available to members, with stories, news and information alongside our Croker Prize call for entries for this year. Members also have access to the back catalogue of Descent via: https://www.sag.org.au/Descent

Perhaps over Easter you can think about submitting to both the Croker Prize and our June / Winter issue on the theme of: Police & Law Enforcement. Articles exploring ancestors connected with policing, law enforcement, courts, or justice systems are encouraged, including the records and methodologies used to research them - due 13 April 2026: www.sag.org.au/our-magazine-descent

Not yet a member? You can join today to get access to wealth of stories and information from Descent: www.sag.org.au/memberbenefits

27/03/2026

🧬 Discover Your DNA. Unlock Your Story: https://www.sag.org.au/DNAProgram

Review our DNA Program website that brings together all of the Society of Australian Genealogists’ upcoming DNA events in one place. From beginner-friendly introductions to advanced workshops, you will find sessions designed to help you interpret your results, break down brick walls, and uncover new connections.

Whether you're curious about ethnicity estimates, matches, or how to integrate DNA with traditional research, there is something here for you.

27/03/2026

Some praiseworthy conservation work from our colleagues at National Archives of Australia

26/03/2026

If you are in Sydney on 19th April:

Save the date for Open Day! 🎉

Be among the first to explore the Library’s 200th Exhibitions at our free Open Day on Sunday 19 April.

Highlights include:

✨ Live music featuring Cooee, Indira Elias, and DOBBY
✨ Performance by the Lah-Lah band
✨ Writing workshop with Mick Elliott - Author
✨ Roaming Pamela Allen book characters
✨ Collections on display
✨ Guided exhibition tours
✨ Hands-on activities for kids

Bring yourself, or your whole family, and be part of this milestone moment.

Open all day, 10am to 5pm.

See full program: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/events/open-day-2026

25/03/2026

Ready to make sense of your DNA results? 🧬 Be with us online Saturday 11 April live 10.00am-12.30pm AEST - all welcome: https://www.sag.org.au/event-6415878

If you’ve taken an AncestryDNA test and aren’t quite sure what to do next, this practical, small-group session is designed just for you.

🔍 What’s included:
• 3 hours of pre-recorded lectures to build your foundation
• A 2.5-hour live online session with expert guidance
• Real-life case studies and live demonstrations
• Plenty of time for questions and discussion
• Take-home reference materials to support your learning

We’ll start with what you can access without a subscription, then explore the extra tools available through Ancestry—so you can decide what’s worth it and how to use it effectively.

Christine Woodlands will also share her personal tips and strategies to help you get the most from your results, moving beyond matches to meaningful discoveries.

✨ Plus: You’ll receive access to additional pre-recorded webinars, including an introductory session on DNA testing to ensure you’re fully prepared.

👥 Limited to just 25 participants to allow for interaction, support, and hands-on learning.

Whether you're just starting out or feeling a little stuck, this session will help you turn your DNA results into real family history insights.

20/03/2026

🌏 Going live at 3pm today online and all welcome: https://www.sag.org.au/event-6508837
Saturday 21 March 3.00pm - 5.00pm AEDT.

Are you exploring your Indian or South Asian family history? Join us online this afternoon for a welcoming and practical session of the Indian and South Asian Special Interest Group, led by Rachel Croucher.

Tracing Your Indian and South Asian Roots Across Borders: Research Methods and Strategies. Whether your ancestors come from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, or the Maldives, this session is designed to help you navigate the complexities of researching across countries, cultures, and generations.

✨ What to expect:
• Practical research tips and tools
• Guidance grounded in the genealogical method
• A supportive space to ask questions (big or small!)
• Connection with others exploring South Asian heritage

20/03/2026

🔬 Unlock Your Maternal Story Through DNA

Have you ever wondered where your maternal line truly begins? Be with us Saturday morning from 10.30am - 11.30am AEDT (session also recorded) - all welcome: https://www.sag.org.au/event-6416778

Kerry Farmer will outline how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can reveal the deep story of your maternal ancestry — stretching back through generations you may never have known existed.

In this session, you’ll learn:
✨ How mtDNA testing works
✨ How to interpret your DNA results with confidence
✨ Ways genetic evidence can confirm relationships
✨ How to uncover long-lost maternal origins

Whether you are new to DNA or looking to deepen your research, this is a powerful opportunity to add a new dimension to your family history journey.

🧬 Start tracing your maternal line in ways you never thought possible.

19/03/2026

📚 Our Library is open this Saturday at 379 Kent Street, Sydney!
https://www.sag.org.au/visitus

Looking for a productive and inspiring way to spend your Saturday? Join us at the Society of Australian Genealogists Library this Saturday 21 March and immerse yourself in family history research.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your research journey, our Library offers access to extensive collections, expert support, and a welcoming space to connect with fellow researchers.

🕘 Open to members and visitors
📍 Explore unique resources, archives, and research tools
🤝 Get guidance and share ideas with our community

There’s nothing quite like working with original records and specialist resources in person—come in, settle down, and make a breakthrough in your research.

We’d love to see you there!

19/03/2026

How is your reading list at the moment?

Members, don't forget that today's Friday Hangout hosted by GeniAus is All Things Bookish: be with us online via Zoom 4.00pm - 5.00pm AEDT, see you there! www.sag.org.au/HangOut

Not yet a member? You can join today: www.sag.org.au/memberbenefits

19/03/2026

What a milestone from the legends that are the Ryerson Index !!!🌟

💙✨ 10 MILLION RECORDS!!! ✨💛

An incredible milestone has been reached — (last night!)
The Ryerson Index has now surpassed 10 MILLION records!

What began over 25 years ago as a small volunteer project has grown into one of Australia’s most valuable free genealogical resources.

Every single entry represents:
🕊 A life remembered
📰 A notice preserved
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A connection made for families, historians and researchers

This milestone would not be possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers, past and present, who have contributed countless hours indexing notices from across Australia.

Together, we have built something truly special — a resource that helps ensure these records are never lost to time.

🙏 Thank you to everyone who has supported, contributed to, or used the Ryerson Index over the years.

Here’s to the next million!

— The Ryerson Index Team 💙💛

18/03/2026

Thanks to the author herself, we have new stock available for Unravelled... by Heather Garnsey available: https://socaustgen.square.site/

You can also join Heather in conversation online on 13 May with our Book Club/Meet the Author event, FREE for Society members: https://www.sag.org.au/event-6562535

17/03/2026

🍀 Happy St Patrick’s Day! Today is the perfect day to celebrate your Irish heritage and perhaps uncover a little more of your story.

To celebrate, we are inviting you to subscribe to our electronic newsletter and course updates and receive a FREE guide to the key websites for Irish family history research - see this link:
https://www.sag.org.au/Contact-Us/

📩 When you subscribe, you’ll also stay up to date with:
• Upcoming courses and workshops
• Events and special interest groups
• New resources to support your research

☘️ This St Patrick’s Day, why not start (or restart) your Irish family history journey? https://www.sag.org.au/events

👉 Subscribe today and begin uncovering your Irish story.


Image from Sean Kuriyan