Genealogical Society of Victoria Inc

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.

23/06/2025

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

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

*GSV Writers Discussion Circle
The July Meeting of the Writers Circle is combining with the Writers from Family History Western Australia. Members will need the special sign-in provided in the registration confirmation email for this meeting.
02 Jul 2025 12:30 pm to 02:30 pm

*Early English Discussion Circle
Are you having problems finding those pre-1800s ancestors? Where can you go from here? What other sources can be used?
04 Jul 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*Using DNA for Family History Course
Session 4: Research Objectives and Tree Building
Convenor Maureen Trotter will lead sessions providing ample time for questions and discussion.
09 Jul 2025 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

*New and Existing Member Orientation: Discovering the GSV and our Resources
Convenor: David Down
09 Jul 2025 07:30 pm to 08:45 pm

*England & Wales Discussion Circle
The meetings of England & Wales Circle will focus on topics that are pertinent such as poor laws, workhouses, education, census records, health, political and social conditions.
11 Jul 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

**Library Research Day**
The GSV library will be open this Saturday, July 12, 2025. 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.
12 Jul 2025 10:00 am 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.
15 Jul 2025 07:30 pm to 08:30 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.
18 Jul 2025 01:00 pm to 02:30 pm

*Special Event: ScotlandsPeople Website - Online (Tartan Festival)
Presenters: John Blackwood and Paula Mitchell
The ScotlandsPeople website, www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk "is the official Scotltish Government site..."
21 Jul 2025 01:00 pm to 02:30 pm

*England and Wales Discussion Circle
The meetings of England & Wales Circle will focus on topics that are pertinent such as poor laws, workhouses, education, census records, health, political and social conditions.
22 Jul 2025 07:30 pm to 09:00 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.
23 Jul 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.
25 Jul 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

04/06/2025

31/05/2025

The June 2025 Ancestor will arrive in member inboxes or mailboxes soon. Copies can also be purchased by contacting the GSV:
Phone: +61 3 9662 4455
Email: gsv@gsv.org.au
Address: 1/10 Queen St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

28/05/2025

In March, David Down was awarded the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations (AFFHO) Meritorious Service to Family History Award. It was offically presented to him last week at the Volunteers Morning Tea.
This award is given at the discretion of the Council of the Federation, and since 1990 it has only been awarded 21 times. The full text of David's commendation is included in the June 'Ancestor' which becomes available next week.
Congratulations, David!

27/05/2025

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

*DNA Genetic Genealogy Study Group
Convener: Maureen Trotter.
This discussion circle has been started for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users. It is a self help group. for people.
03 Jun 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.
04 Jun 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.
05 Jun 2025 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm

*Using DNA for Family History Course - Session 3 :Clustering DNA Matches
Convenor: Maureen Trotter will lead sessions providing ample time for questions and discussion.
11 Jun 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
11 Jun 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 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.
13 Jun 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

** GSV Library Closed this Saturday **
The GSV Library will be closed on Saturday, June 14, 2025., but open June 21st (see below)

*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 northern counties.
17 Jun 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.
17 Jun 2025 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm

*The Good Oil Discussion Circle
Convener: David Down.
The June 2025 meeting will briefly review the various family history software offerings, both online family tree builders and desktop programs. The information collected during the session will be used to enhance the GSV webpage on this subject.
20 Jun 2025 07:30 pm to 08:30 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.
21 Jun 2025 09:00 am to 10:15 am

**GSV Library Open this Saturday **
The GSV library will be open this Saturday, June 21, 2025, welcoming you from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For a smooth and secure visit, please remember that advance booking is essential. Reservations must be made no later than noon on the preceding Friday.
21 Jun 2025 10:00 am to 03:00 pm

* Researching Your Family History class
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
21 Jun 2025 10:30 am to 11:30 am

*Scottish Discussion Circle
Our most recent info is available on the Scottish Discussion Circle Noticeboard. The Circle meets 4 times a year.
21 Jun 2025 01:30 pm to 03:00 pm

*London and South-East Counties Discussion Circle
At the June 2025 meeting, we will examine brick walls and breakthroughs in Member research. We will also examine small museums and historical societies. Members should check the London and South-East Counties Noticeboard for more information.
26 Jun 2025 10:30 am to 11:30 am

*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. More information on the noticeboard.
27 Jun 2025 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

21/05/2025

Event: Researching Family History in New South Wales using resources held by the Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG)

Wed 28 May 10:30am via Zoom.

While they help us research our family history no matter from where in the world we hail, local genealogical societies also develop expertise in researching the local area. State by State: the genealogical resources of Australia gives GSV members a chance to hear from representatives of the state based societies around Australia. Presenters will highlight the special resources in their society's collection and answer questions about researching ancestors in their area.
On Wednesday 28th May Gemma Beswick and Vanessa Cassin, of the Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG) will speak on ‘Researching Family History in New South Wales’. Of particular use to anyone who had ancestors who lived or worked in colonial Australia, Gemma and Vanessa’s presentation will outline the unique resources such as early parish registers and cemetery transcripts offered by SAG. In addition to their archive of unique materials that have been collected since the 1940's, the Society has an extensive collection of books, microfiche, journals and other family history resources in their Library. Come along to learn about our sister family history society in New South Wales.
Register to attend at www.gsv.org.au/events

16/05/2025

14/05/2025

Last chance to book!

Tomorrow, 15 May, at 10:30 am Ken McInnes will speak about the Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation as a resource for family and local history research.

Members can register to receive the Zoom link via www.gsv.org.au/events

For more information about Ken and the presentation visit www.gsv.org.au/events

For more about the Encycopedia visit https://www.eoas.info/about.html