Fellowship of First Fleeters

19/05/2026

First Fleet House is slowly returning to normal - always a journey with insurance companies after severe storm damage - at least downstairs is looking so much better than at the FFF Board Meeting in late April 2026 - still painting, some repairs, flooring and some replacement furniture to be addressed

13/05/2026

May 13 1787 Portsmouth

Today, May 13 2026, is the 239th anniversary of the departure of the First Fleet from Portsmouth England on May 13 1787. That was an event that would have profound impacts on those who sailed, and of course on the original inhabitants of the ancient continent which would come to be known as Australia - not to mention its nearby islands like Tasmania....

Today, May 13 2026, is the 239th anniversary of the departure of the First Fleet from Portsmouth England on May 13 1787. That was an event that would have profound impacts on those who sailed, and …

12/05/2026

Have Your Say – City of Ryde

Many of us had First Fleet ancestors who lived in the Ryde - Kissing Point - Field of Mars area. The City of Ryde is currently undertaking a community survey: find our more information here. The survey will also include Heritage Matters - more information here.

Many of us had First Fleet ancestors who lived in the Ryde – Kissing Point – Field of Mars area. The City of Ryde is currently undertaking a community survey: find our more information …

07/05/2026

DNA Questions and Myths

Recently there was a post in the MyHeritage blog about myths surrounding DNA testing. It's worth a look, even if you are familiar with DNA tests, as it reveals what others' concerns about DNA testing may be.

Recently there was a post in the MyHeritage blog about myths surrounding DNA testing. It’s worth a look, even if you are familiar with DNA tests, as it reveals what others’ concerns abo…

20/04/2026

Youth Week NSW 2026 – April 16 – 26 Part 2

It is interesting that Youth Week and the National Trust Heritage Festival overlap in NSW, with Heritage Festivals often attracting more Seniors. As descendants of those who arrived in 1788, we might well ask - what of those who came to what would become NSW in the First Fleet in 1788, how many were in the Youth of 12 - 24 years age bracket?...

It is interesting that Youth Week and the National Trust Heritage Festival overlap in NSW, with Heritage Festivals often attracting more Seniors. As descendants of those who arrived in 1788, we mig…

20/04/2026

Our Acting President Kerrie Anne Christian is looking forward to presenting at the Fellowship's Botany Bay Chapter meeting tomorrow on "Crossing the Continent and Crossing Cultures"

20/04/2026

Youth Week NSW 2026 – April 16 – 26

It is interesting that Youth Week and National Trust Heritage Festival overlap in NSW, with Heritage Festivals often attracting more Seniors. In the table below, are First Fleeters who were in the 12- 24 Years age at the time of sailing/arrival. Do you recognise any of your ancestors? Nevertheless, it is worth considering how so many of those transported in the First Fleet were actually in the 12 - 24 Years age bracket. ...

It is interesting that Youth Week and National Trust Heritage Festival overlap in NSW, with Heritage Festivals often attracting more Seniors. In the table below, are First Fleeters who were in the …

14/04/2026

AI – What some family historians think?

Recently, the Fellowship of First Fleeters introduced its new AI policy, with its focus on responsible use by Fellowship members. It can be found on the Fellowship's Wordpress website on the Key Documents page, along with information on the history of the Fellowship. If you have tried AI, how have your experiences gone? Coincidentally, American Ancestors, another family organisation that I belong to, published the results of a survey of its members on using AI....

Recently, the Fellowship of First Fleeters introduced its new AI policy, with its focus on responsible use by Fellowship members. It can be found on the Fellowship’s Wordpress website on the …

10/04/2026

A heads-up for people running museums - today the Black Diamond District Heritage Centre Museum in Bulli, Illawarra NSW, received an email from someone claiming to be from MGNSW - but not with an .org.au email address. Text of the email is "I'm following up if you're interested in getting the Distribution/Members list.
• Museums & Galleries of NSW 2026
• Sydney, Australia
• 1,000+ Contacts
I’m waiting for your response so i can let you know the price & additional more information."
So I have reported it to Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Beware - scammers about.

10/04/2026

Welcome to the 2026 National Trust Australian Heritage Festival

Have you ever participated in the National Trust's Australian Heritage Festival? It runs from mid April to mid May each year, and this year the theme of the festival is Change. The festival has been running since the 1980's, and Fellowship members often participate in these National Trust Heritage Festivals. It kicks off on Saturday April 11 2026 in the ACT - while in most other States, it begins on Saturday April 18 2026....

Have you ever participated in the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival? It runs from mid April to mid May each year, and this year the theme of the festival is Change. The festival …

07/04/2026

FFF Responsible Use of Generative AI Policy

After five months of consideration by various Board members, since October 2025, the Board has now adopted its Responsible Use of Generative AI Policy. To view this new policy - click here. The policy can also be found grouped with the Fellowship's Key Documents . Over 2025, a number of the Fellowship's Directors and Volunteers have been experimenting with Generative AI applications - text, image creation, image enhancement and videos....

After five months of consideration by various Board members, since October 2025, the Board has now adopted its Responsible Use of Generative AI Policy. To view this new policy – click here.…