Moonee Valley Family & Local History Blog

This event is coming up at Moonee Valley Libraries. Discover Your Scottish Family History There are a myriad of resources for those tracing their Scottish Ancestry. John Blackwood, Scottish Ancestry Group Convenor from the Genealogical Society of Victoria will talk about how to begin researching your Scottish family roots and outlines available resources. Niddrie Library Thursday 16 August, 2pm Free, but bookings necessary. Call 8325 1925

At Moonee Valley Library branches you can now access British Newspaper Archive , an online resource which allows you to view millions of pages of British historical newspapers published since 1800. As well as searching news articles and advertisements, you can also search family notices, letters and obituaries– which makes this an extremely useful resource for researching British ancestors. British Newspaper Archive is not available to access from home, but it is so easy to use and fascinating to view that it is well worth paying us a visit to try it out.

Family History Month is almost here, so we have lots of upcoming family history events. Our first two workshops provide information about beginning your family history research, both using resources from the library collections and online resources. These sessions are free, but bookings are required. Resources on the Internet Learn about online searching and resources. The focus of this session is one the Ancestry database (as seen on TV), Find my Past and the National Library of Australia's Trove website. Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre , 69-79 Military Road Avondale Heights Tuesday 14 August, 9.30-11.30am Call: 8325 1940 Watch this space for information about more Family History Month events at Moonee Valley Libraries coming soon...

The following Thursday Talks are coming up in August at the Genealogical Society of Victoria. Talks run from 12.30 - 1.30pm and are held at Level B1, 257 Collins Street, Melbourne. Convicts: their secrets exposed August 2, Allen Evans English village and town records August 9, Alan Fincher The origins of Jewish surnames August 16, Lionel Sharp Finding people and reconnecting families August 23, Major Phia Gibb Living History - Palliative care volunteer experiences August 30, Lee Ewing Entry is free for GSV members, $8 for non-members.

At Essendon Historical Society's July meeting Marie Morden from MapWorks on Keilor Road will be speaking about Maps and Genealogy . Tuesday 24 July, 7-30pm. At 768 Mt Alexander Rd Moonee Ponds, 93704607 This is a free event and all are welcome.

Essendon Historical Society Annual Dinner Meeting is coming up soon. Tuesday 28 August 6-30pm. The Guest Speaker will be author Kevin Morgan speaking about his recently released book “Detective Piggott’s Casebook” -The Eastern Market Murder -True tales of Murder, Madness and the Rise of Forensic Science. The dinner will be held at a local venue (3 course meal $40, drinks at bar prices). Bookings must be made and paid for by 19 August. Phone 9370 4607.

Today Robyn Luczynski is retiring after twenty-three years at Moonee Valley Libraries. Robyn began this award-winning blog back in 2008, and most of the posts since that time have been hers. Robyn’s contribution to local history and family history during her time at Moonee Valley has been remarkable. She has instructed and assisted countless researchers, from amateur family historians taking their first steps into genealogical research to professional historians who have acknowledged her help in their published works. Her exceptional and irreplaceable knowledge will be missed. Farewell and good luck, Robyn!