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Well look at that! One great-great-grandmother pictured standing proudly in her garden.

Kate Shilling — 30th Jan 2024

Discovering this photo of my great-great-grandmother in her garden at her home not far from the Yarra River made my day! The simple style and materials would make for an interesting mid-19th century episode of Grand Designs.

Isabel Ramsay was born in Melrose, Scotland, in 1814, and sailed to …

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Family History Mysteries. Find out more in 2024!

Kate Shilling — 14th Jan 2024

Happy New Year!  

Having spent a few weeks over Christmas digging a little deeper into our family history in the early days around Lockhart, in early January we went over to the Riverina Regional Archives at Charles Sturt University.

There's so much to discover here! - and so much more …

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Mother's Day! We've got you covered

Kate Shilling — 12th May 2023

Oops! Mother’s Day has snuck up, and if you’re anything like me, you’re wondering how to lay your hands on the perfect gift without trawling the shops at the last minute.

For Mums with a penchant for family history research, we’ve got you covered. Check out these great gift ideas …

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Connections, Community and Culture

Kate Shilling — 24th Mar 2023

Calling all history buffs - you won't want to miss this one! The History Council of NSW is hosting a discussion panel in May: "Connections, Community and Culture - In conversation with the winners of the NSW Premier's History Awards 2022" at the Sydney Writer's Festival!

History is always on …

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Celebrate Women's History Month

Kate Shilling — 13th Mar 2023

March 2023 marks Women’s History Month, an important time to reflect on the contributions and achievements of women throughout history.

We can all name some of the world’s most significant females throughout the ages, from Cleopatra and Joan of Arc, to Florence Nightingale and Marie Curie. But if you take …

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Books through the ages

Kate Shilling — 10th Mar 2023

If you’re anything like me, books and literature are woven into the fabric of your personal history and that of your ancestors. From Charles Dickinson to Enid Blyton, these classic stories help define and shape us during our formative years.

Before the advent of television, books held even more power. …

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Historic stay in the heart of the city

Kate Shilling — 20th Feb 2023

When embarking on your bespoke family history holiday, we always try to include a historic stay in your itinerary. There’s something particularly special about ‘built’ heritage that resonates in our psyche, and there’s nothing quite like staying in a home or apartment that holds its own character and backstory – …

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The Ned Kelly Legacy

Kate Shilling — 15th Feb 2023

If your family history investigations lead you to Victoria’s beautiful high country, Beechworth is well worth a stop. Not only is this beautifully preserved gold-rush era town adorned with picturesque wineries, beautiful streetscapes and a vibrant food scene, it also houses the priceless legacies of infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and …

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Stick 'em up! Discover the value of historic re-enactments

Kate Shilling — 4th Feb 2023

I fondly remember family trips to Old Sydney Town back in the 1980s, with its thundering canons and horse-drawn wagons. The convincing re-enactments of pistol duels and convict rebellions provided an unforgettable experience and an authentic recreation of Sydney Cove life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

While …

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Climb your family tree in 2023

Kate Shilling — 18th Jan 2023

Well, here we are, January already! The year feels full of possibilities and it’s a great time to take stock of what’s truly important and how you can work towards filling your cup more often in the months ahead.

For history buffs, planning a family history holiday is one of …

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