South Eastern Historical Association Inc.

Dromana and District Historical Society talk - Local Guest Houses
2025-07-15 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Dromana Museum, Old Shire Offices, 359a Point Nepean Road, Dromana, Victoria, 3936, Australia
Dromana and District Historical Society and Southern Peninsula U3A invite you to their talk – Guest Houses of the Local Area, presented by Jean Rotherham.
When: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 10.00am. Where: Sandy Christie Room 8, Old Shire Offices, 359A Point Nepean Road, Dromana.
U3A Members book through Southern Peninsula U3A.
Dromana and District Historical Society Members and Guests RSVP by July 11 to dromanahs@gmail.com or 0408 325 603.

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Tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Dandenong
2025-07-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
City of Greater Dandenong Heritage invite you to take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with expert heritage staff, on the first Thursday of the month during 2025, from June to December.
Heritage Hill is of local historical and cultural significance, reflecting the course of the City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural history. Laurel Lodge (1869), Benga House (1936) and St James’ Anglican Church (1864) offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of a group of prominent locals who lived in the region during the late nineteenth and early-to-mid twentieth centuries.
Tours encompass two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga and the surrounding gardens. Attendees will have an insight not only into the families who lived at Heritage Hill but also into Dandenong’s rich cultural history. Tea and coffee is provided following completion of the tour. Meet at Benga, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong.
Numbers are limited, bookings required https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1388901
For assistance with any questions, contact us on 8571 1000.

Tips & Tricks for German & Italian Ancestry - Speaker: Susie Zada
2025-06-14 01:30 - 15:30 | Frankston South Community Hub, 55 Towerhill Road, Frankston South, Victoria, 3199, Australia
Join the Mornington Peninsula Family History Society on June 14, 2025 for guest speaker Susie Zada – European Research: Tips and Tricks for German and Italian Ancestry.
Library open at 12 noon; talk at 1.30pm. Afternoon tea provided. Venue: Frankston South Community Hub, 55 Towerhill Road, Frankston
Members $6.00; Non members $15.00. Enquiries: 9783 7058 www.mpfhs.org

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Tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Dandenong
2025-06-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
City of Greater Dandenong Heritage invite you to take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with expert heritage staff, on the first Thursday of the month during 2025 from June to December.
Heritage Hill is of local historical and cultural significance, reflecting the course of the City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural history. Laurel Lodge (1869), Benga House (1936) and St James’ Anglican Church (1864) offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of a group of prominent locals who lived in the region during the late nineteenth and early-to-mid twentieth centuries.
Tours encompass two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga and the surrounding gardens. Attendees will have an insight not only into the families who lived at Heritage Hill but also into Dandenong’s rich cultural history. Tea and coffee is provided following completion of the tour. Meet at Benga, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong.
Numbers are limited, bookings required https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1388901
For assistance with any questions, contact us on 8571 1000.

Bass Valley Historical Society Meeting - The Western Port Times
2025-06-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Corinella Community Centre, 48 Symthe Street, Corinella, Victoria, 3984, Australia
Bass Valley Historical Society meeting will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
The Guest Speaker is Geoff Guilfoyle, publisher of the Western Port Times. You can read issues here – https://grantvillehistory.com.au/
Venue: Corinella Community Centre, 48 Smythe Street, Corinella. Afternoon tea provided. Cost: $5.00 (to cover the insurance cost charged by the Community Centre)
RSVP to Libby – eskidmore@dcsi.net.au or Robyn – robrob3174@outlook.com

"Fish Town - Hastings: the first fifty years" new book by Lance Hodgins
2025-05-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Hastings Museum, Cr Marine Parade and Skinner Street, Hastings, Victoria, 3915, Australia
Hastings-Western Port Historical Society invite you to a morning coffee where Lance Hodgins will talk about his new book Fish Town – Hastings: the first fifty years.
Lance will talk about writing the book and discuss interesting aspects of Hastings’ past. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the special launch price of $25.
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10.00am to 12 noon. Where: Hastings Museum, corner Marine parade and Skinner Street, Hastings.
Admission is $5 for Society members and $7 for non-members.

Morning Tea at 10am, talk at 10.30am. Bookings: Lynda on 59 774 478 or Di on 0490 132 011 or Email: info@hastingsmuseum.org.au

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Brighton General Cemetery walk - Law Week: Mishap or Murder
2025-05-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Brighton General Cemetery, Cr North and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield South, Victoria, 3162, Australia
Join the Brighton Cemetorians for a Cemetery walk to celebrate Law Week – Mishap or Murder. Was the Doctors intentions well meant or were his actions more sinister? Or the Neighbourhood dispute that turned deadly. Come and listen to these and other fascinating stories and the decided was it a Mishap or was it Murder.
When: Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 2.00pm. Where: Brighton General Cemetery, Corner North Road & Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South. Meet at the front gate (North Road gate) for a 2.00pm start.
Bookings are essential – ring Lois on 9558 4248. Cost: $15 per person [cash]

Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery - Military Tour
2025-05-25 13:30 - 15:30 | Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery, Charman Road, Cheltenham, Victoria, 3192, Australia
Join the Friends of Cheltenham Cemeteries for their first tour of 2025, at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery. This will be a A Military Tour and you will hear about some of the moving sacrifices that were made by ordinary people and insights into the lives of some of the soldiers.
When: Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 1.30pm. Please meet just inside the Gate at Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery, Charman Road, Cheltenham. Cost: Members: $12, Non members: $15.
Refreshments provided. The tour will proceed come rain, hail or shine; so come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. Bring a brolly if you are concerned about the sun or rain.
Bookings required: info@focrc.org or call 9497 1318

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Tyabb-Hastings Cemetery Walk
2025-05-25 13:30 - 15:00 | Tyabb-Hastings Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Hastings, Victoria, 3195, Australia
Hastings-Western Port Historical Society will be holding an information afternoon exploring the gravesites and stories of pioneers and local people resting at the Tyabb-Hastings Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Hastings.
When: Sunday, May 25 at 1.30pm weather permitting. For more information – 0490 132 011. $10 payable on the day, cash only.

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Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Annual Luncheon
2025-05-25 12:00 - 15:00 | Tooradin & District Sports Club, South Gippsland Highway, Tooradin, Victoria, 3980, Australia
Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Annual Luncheon. Theme: From The Netherlands to Koo Wee Rup – Members of the Dutch community will talk about their life in Holland and Koo Wee Rup.
When – Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 12 noon. Where -Tooradin & District Sports Club, Recreation Reserve, Tooradin.
Cost – $30.00 per head. Drinks at bar prices.
RSVP, including any special dietary requirements, by May 18, 2025 to Heather Arnold – 0407 521 637 harnold@dcsi.net.au

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SEHA General Meeting
2025-05-18 13:30 - 15:30 | Mallow House Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, cr Henry Street, Koo-Wee-Rup, Victoria, 3981, Australia
The SEHA General meeting will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 1.30pm. Venue: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum, 325 Rossiter Road (cr Henry Street), Koo Wee Rup. Parking at rear.
Lunch (at own cost) will be at the Royal Hotel, Station Street, Koo Wee Rup at 12 noon https://www.royalhotelkwr.com.au/
More information and lunch bookings – Heather Arnold – harnold@dcsi.net.au

Nobelius Heritage Park Guided Walking tour
2025-05-18 11:15 - 12:15 | Nobelius Heritage Park and Emerald Museum, 5 Crichton Road, Emerald, Victoria, 3782, Australia
Join the Emerald Museum for a guided walking tour of the gorgeous Nobelius Heritage Park. Envision what the Nobelius Heritage Park looked like when it was home to the largest fruit and ornamental tree exporter in the southern hemisphere, the Gembrook or “Nobelius” Nurseries. Discover trees and flowering foliage propagated by ground breaking horticulturalist, Carl Axel
Nobelius.
When: Sunday, May 18 2025, 11.15am – 12.15pm. Where: Nobelius Heritage Park 5 Crichton Road, Emerald. Cost: Free
Bookings are recommended via the QR code (see flyer), or online at https://nobeliusheritagewalk.eventbrite.com
More information: enquiries@emeraldmuseum.org.au or (03) 5968 2152. www.emeraldmuseum.org.au

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Jump into the past at the Nobelius Heritage Park
2025-05-18 11:00 - 16:00 | Nobelius Heritage Park and Emerald Museum, 5 Crichton Road, Emerald, Victoria, 3782, Australia
In celebration of the Australian Heritage Festival 2025, join the Emerald Museum and Nobelius Heritage Park for a day of Children’s games. Jump into the past with hopscotch, quoits, marbles, hoops and more.
When: Sunday May 18, 2025. Time: drop in from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. Where: Nobelius Heritage Park, 5 Crichton Road, Emerald. Free Event/
More information: enquiries@emeraldmuseum.org.au or (03) 5968 2152. www.emeraldmuseum.org.au

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Historic Chelsea Courthouse opening
2025-05-18 10:00 - 15:00 | Chelsea Court House, 6 The Strand, Chelsea, Victoria, 3196, Australia
The Chelsea and District Historical Society is proud to open the Chelsea Court House to the general public as part of the Australian Heritage Festival.

Chelsea Court House was listed on the State Heritage Register in 1990 for its architectural and historic significance as an outstanding example of a suburban court house of its era, designed in a sophisticated neo-classical style, and as an important community landmark, it opened in 1929. The Court House has recently been renovated with attention to historical detail to reflect its past as a functioning part of the Magistrates Court of Victoria. Until it closed in 1989, the Chelsea court heard cases from different jurisdictions including criminal, civil, licensing, adoption and family law matters. The Chelsea Court House is a showpiece of the era and its architectural beauty, and also a landmark building of great significance to our community history.
Where – Chelsea Court House, 6 The Strand, Chelsea. When – May 17 and 18, 2025, from 10.00am to 3.00pm on both days. Free. All welcome

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Indomitable Women – Pakenham Cemetery Tour
2025-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Pakenham Cemetery, Thewlis Road, Pakenham, Victoria, 3810, Australia
The Narre Warren & District Family History Group present – Indomitable Women – Pakenham Cemetery Tour.
It has been ten years since they remembered twenty-five women who shaped the local community of Pakenham. Join them on a tour of the Pakenham Cemetery as they retell the stories of these women, who came from all walks of life. Among the graves to be visited are those of Shire Secretary, Beatrice Thomas; Margaret Gordon, who died when her cart capsized; six publicans; Polly Smith, who died aged 107 in 1989; Susannah Thompson, who died in childbirth after being administered too much opium; Alison and Kerry Medwin, who lost their lives in the Ash Wednesday Bushfires at Upper Beaconsfield in 1983; and indigenous woman Lucy Pepper, who was denied her wish to be buried near her father at Lake Tyers, Gippsland.
When: Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 10.00 am. Where: Pakenham Cemetery, Corner of Cemetery Road and Thewlis Road Pakenham.
Cost: $10, Children free. Bookings Required: cemetery.tours@nwfhg.org.au OR Jane – 0412 084 671

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NWDFHG meeting - the history of the Tulliallan property, Cranbourne
2025-05-17 14:00 - 16:00 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
The Narre Warren & District Family History Group invite you to their meeting where the Guest Speaker is Heather Arnold who will talk on the Tulliallan property, Clyde Road, Cranbourne and some of the interesting people who lived there including Benjamin Rossiter, Stratford Strettle, James Gibb and Faris Palfreyman who collected Rolls Royce motor cars.
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2.00pm.
Where: Lorraine Taylor Research Room, 110 High Street, Berwick (behind the Berwick Neighbourhood House and the Berwick Masonic Lodge). Entry fee is $5 to cover expenses for supper, speakers, and other meeting operating costs. More information – secretary@nwfhg.org.au

Historic Chelsea Court House opening
2025-05-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Chelsea Court House, 6 The Strand, Chelsea, Victoria, 3196, Australia
The Chelsea and District Historical Society is proud to open the Chelsea Court House to the general public as part of the Australian Heritage Festival.

Chelsea Court House was listed on the State Heritage Register in 1990 for its architectural and historic significance as an outstanding example of a suburban court house of its era, designed in a sophisticated neo-classical style, and as an important community landmark, it opened in 1929. The Court House has recently been renovated with attention to historical detail to reflect its past as a functioning part of the Magistrates Court of Victoria. Until it closed in 1989, the Chelsea court heard cases from different jurisdictions including criminal, civil, licensing, adoption and family law matters. The Chelsea Court House is a showpiece of the era and its architectural beauty, and also a landmark building of great significance to our community history.
Where – Chelsea Court House, 6 The Strand, Chelsea. When – May 17 and 18, 2025, from 10.00am to 3.00pm on both days. Free. All welcome.

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HERstory: Women of the Mornington Peninsula
2025-05-10 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-12 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-03-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Mornington Library, Vancouver Street, Mornington, Victoria, 3931, Australia
HERstory: Women of the Mornington Peninsula is a collaborative project with the Mornington Peninsula Local History Network, fostering a shared commitment to uncovering and celebrating the
rich histories of local women. This initiative transforms public space into a canvas that honours and celebrates the vital contributions of women in shaping the cultural, social, and historical identity of our Peninsula.
What: Public Art – A visual photographic story. Where: Mornington Shire Building (2 Queen Street, Mornington). Cost: Free. Exhibition runs from Saturday, March 8 to Sunday, June 8.
HERstory FREE talk series – Recognising the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, March Forward.
Venue – Mornington Library 11.00 am (light morning tea served at 10.30am).
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – Monica Cronin, Historian and Curator – Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Saturday, April 12 – Jean Rotherham, Dromana and District Historical Society – The Monster Petition: Voices for Change in 1891
Saturday, May 10 – Cate Cox, Rye Historical Society – Lila Rowley: A Legacy of Strength and Service

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City of Greater Dandenong Heritage Collection Store Tour
2025-05-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Victoria
Heritage Collection Store Tour – Take a free guided tour of Greater Dandenong’s Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection Store, which is not normally open to the public. Council’s Civic and Cultural Heritage Collection, and the sum of its parts, reflect and celebrate the Greater Dandenong’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, its people, events and achievements. Council’s Collection store is unique in that it is also shared with Dandenong and District and Springvale and District Historical Societies, providing support for their important work safeguarding the region’s local history for future generations. Explore a range of objects with Council’s Heritage Collections Officer, Rhonda Diffey, and President of both local historical societies, Christine Keys.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, 11.00am – 12 noon.
Address: Dandenong, details available upon booking; Numbers are limited, bookings required
For more information and to book: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/events/heritage-collection-store-tour

Heritage Hill House and Garden Tour, Dandenong
2025-04-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
As part of the National Trust Australian Heritage Festival 2025, the City of Greater Dandenong Heritage Team presents – Heritage Hill House and Garden Tour: Take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with our expert garden and heritage staff. The tours encompass two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga and the surrounding gardens. Attendees will have an insight not only into the families who lived at Heritage Hill but also into Dandenong’s rich cultural history.
A light morning tea is provided following completion of the tour.
When: Thursday April 24, 2025, 10.00 am -12.00 pm. Where: Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong.
Numbers are limited, bookings required. For more information and to book: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greater-dandenong-council/events/heritage-hill-house-and-garden-tour

NWDFHG meeting - Koo Wee Rup Swamp and the Cunningham family
2025-04-16 19:30 - 22:00 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
The Narre Warren & District Family History Group invite you to their meeting where the Guest Speaker is Gerard Cunningham who will talk on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp and the Cunningham family.
When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7.30pm.
Where: Lorraine Taylor Research Room, 110 High Street, Berwick (behind the Berwick Neighbourhood House and the Berwick Masonic Lodge). Entry fee is $5 to cover expenses for supper, speakers, and other meeting operating costs. More information – secretary@nwfhg.org.au

Brighton General Cemetery ANZAC Walk
2025-04-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Brighton General Cemetery, Cr North and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield South, Victoria, 3162, Australia
Join the Brighton Cemetorians on April 13, 2025 at 2.00pm for an ANZAC themed walk. The walk will visit the graves of eight service people including Hugh James Martin who was a member of the RSL Executive for 30 years, and helped organise the first Anzac Day March in Melbourne in March 1925 and supported recognition for the day as a Public Holiday; Harry James Joseph Maddox who was the first President of the Automobile Club of Victoria [RACV], and Sister Annie Frances Griffin who served in various hospitals in India. Come and hear the stories of these and other brave and courageous people.
Where: Brighton General Cemetery, Corner North Road & Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South, meet at the front gate (North Road gate) for a 2.00pm start on Sunday April 13.
Bookings are essential – ring Lois on 9558 4248. Cost: $15 per person [cash]

Dandenong Historical Society and Springvale Historical Society meeting
2025-04-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
Combined Meeting of the Dandenong Historical Society and the Springvale Historical Society. Guest Speaker: Michael Mackay – “Mr Dandenong, Remembering Alan Lind” Michael will be sharing with us the life and achievements of his grandfather. Alan Lind was the State member for Dandenong and for Mildura.
When: Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 2.00pm. Where: Benga, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. All welcome.

Harewood Heritage Day
2025-04-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Harewood House, 3300 South Gippsland Highway, Koo-Wee-Rup, Victoria, 3981, Australia
Harewood Heritage Day will be held on April 6, 2025 from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Proceeds to the Koo Wee Rup Regional Health Service. Activities include – Tours of Harewood House, Environmental walks of the ground, Historic Displays, Food stalls etc. Entry fees apply – see flyer.
Venue: Harewood House, 3300 South Gippsland Highway, Koo Wee Rup.

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NWDFHG meeting - We built this City - City of Greater Dandenong
2025-03-19 19:30 - 22:00 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
The Narre Warren & District Family History Group meeting. Do you remember the history of the General Motors, Heinz, and International Harvester factories; Benga, and Laurel Lodge; the Civic Centre Harmony Square, and the Springvale City Hall; the Dandenong Livestock and Produce markets; or the Keysborough Church of Resurrection, and St James’ Church? The City of Greater Dandenong in collaboration with the Dandenong & District Historical Society, and the Springvale and District Historical Society have created a series of short videos on these heritage buildings. Come along and reminisce while watching the videos, and bring along some of your own stories of these historical sites to share with the group.
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7.30pm. Following the “We Built This City” videos, there will be a short break and then the general meeting
Where: Lorraine Taylor Research Room, 110 High Street, Berwick (behind the Berwick Neighbourhood House and the Berwick Masonic Lodge). Entry fee is $5 to cover expenses for supper, speakers, and other meeting operating costs. More information – secretary@nwfhg.org.au

Brighton Cemetery Walk - Jockey’s, Trainers & Owners
2025-03-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Brighton General Cemetery, Cr North and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield South, Victoria, 3162, Australia
Brighton Cemetorians invite you to their walk – Jockey’s, Trainers and Owners. Off to the Races – on this walk you hear stories of the Pioneers connected to the racing industry. “Meet” the man behind the name of the Herbert Power Stakes that is held at the Caulfield Racecourse. Hear about the often not so easy lives of the various Jockeys and whether as an Owner, Trainer or a Jockey taking part in some of the biggest race meetings in Australia.
When: Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2.00pm. Where: Brighton General Cemetery, Corner North Road & Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South (Main gate is on North Road), meet near the Office.
Bookings are essential – ring Lois on 9558 4248. Cost: $15 per person [cash]

Discovering your Family History through Newspapers
2025-02-20 11:00 - 13:30 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
The Narre Warren & District Family History Group present – Discovering your Family History through Newspapers. The digitised newspapers on Trove are a wonderful source of family history information, but not all newspapers are digitised and not all digitised newspapers are on Trove. This talk will tell you where to look and what you can discover. Talk is presented by Heather Arnold, President of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society.
The talk will be followed by a short break (BYO lunch, tea and coffee provided) and then time to put into practice what you have learnt. Gold coin donation would be appreciated and bookings preferred to president@nwfhg.org.au If you’re not a member of the NW& DFHG group and join on the day your membership will be reduced by $5. All welcome
When: Thursday, February 20: talk – 11.00 am to 12 noon; individual research – 12 noon to 1.30pm. Where: Lorraine Taylor Research Room, 110 High Street, Berwick (behind the Berwick Neighbourhood House and the Berwick Masonic Lodge).

NW&DFHG - Finding Family: Getting started with DNA Matches
2025-02-19 19:30 - 22:00 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
The Narre Warren & District Family History Group invite you to their meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 7.30 pm.
The Guest Speaker is Maureen Abbott – Finding Family: Getting started with DNA Matches. Once you have found out your ethnicity and traits from your DNA test, what next? An autosomal DNA test on a site like Ancestry or My Heritage, used in conjunction with traditional family history research using records and other sources, provides a powerful approach to identifying unknown family or to break down a brick wall.
Where: Lorraine Taylor Research Room, 110 High Street, Berwick (behind the Berwick Neighbourhood House and the Berwick Masonic Lodge). Entry fee is $5 to cover expenses for supper, speakers, and other meeting operating costs. More information – secretary@nwfhg.org.au
