Moonee Valley Family & Local History Blog

Spring has almost Sprung, and we've just released our Spring What's On at your library  brochure. Find a copy at one of our branches, or online here . Take a look to discover a wide range of activities, workshops, classes and talks happening in the next few months, including several that are likely to be of interest to people with an interest in history, such as a memoir writing workshop, an author talk about Flying Boat routes to Australia, and a vintage costume expert discussing Melbourne Cup fashion. To book, call the branch associated with the event, book in person, or book online . Our Family History Group, which meets weekly at Sam Merrifield Libraries on Tuesdays, 1-3pm, also continues to thrive. No bookings needed for this one, just drop in. The programs and events mentioned here are just a very small sample of the range of activities on offer this Spring. Enjoy the lovely Spring-like weather for however long it lasts. And hopefully we'll see you in the ...

Don't forget that tomorrow we have a big afternoon of family history planned at Sam Merrifield Library. It begins with a presentation on researching Scottish Family History from 2-3pm, and will continue with the launch of our new Family History Group from 3-5pm. Find out more and book your places by calling us on 8325 1950 or online at: mooneevalleylibraries.eventbrite.com.au Hope to see you there, Julia

Today it is one hundred years since the First World War began. At Moonee Valley Libraries we've become involved in the 5000 poppies project , which is a way that Victorians can commemorate the contributions that Australians have made to not only WWI but also other conflicts by crafting poppies. You can dedicate a poppy to a particular individual if you want. The picture below shows just some of the poppies that have been made so far that are on display at Sam Merrifield Library. If you want to learn more about the 5000 poppies event come along to one of the special events, at either Sam Merrifield Library (Moonee Ponds) or Niddrie Library, at which one of the founders of the project, Lynn Berry, will talk about the project and demonstrate how to make a poppy. The workshop at Sam Merrifield is this Wednesday, 6 August, from 2pm, and the Niddrie workshop at 11am on Wednesday 13 August. The events are free but it is best to book call 8325 1950 for Sam Merrifield or 8325 1925 for Nidd...

We're starting a Family History Group based at Sam Merrifield Library in Moonee Ponds. Come along for a family history themed afternoon, including the first meeting of the new group, on Tuesday 12th August. Plus, there will also be a session on Researching Scottish Family History running from 2-3pm, so you can make it a whole afternoon of family history. These events are both free, but bookings are necessary. Call 8325 1950 or book online at: mooneevalleylibraries.eventbrite.com.au

August is Family History Month across Australia and Mooneee Valley Libraries will be running several family history related events to celebrate. I'll post more details about the individual events over the coming days and weeks, but if you want to get in early, check out our events listings here . You can also browse the statewide calendar of events which is being continually updated with more events.

August is National Family History Month (NFHM) which means around Australia libraries, family history organisations and other groups and institutions will be holding special events to encourage the study of family history. You can learn more about events and activities going on around the country by visiting the NFHM website . To celebrate, we are hosting a special event about researching Italian ancestors: Discover your Italian family history Tracing your Italian family history is not always easy. Dr Paolo Baracchi from Comitato Assistenza Italiani (CoAsIt) will outline the fundamentals of researching in this area. A must for all Australian-Italians, who are keen to discover more about their ancestry. Avondale Height Library and Learning Centre Thursday 29 August, 6pm Free, but bookings essential. Call 8325 1940   I recommend you book soon, as places are filling fast. We're also running the following workshops at Niddrie and Sam Merrifi...

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