Family Trees & Genealogy

Mention the words "family history" or "personal history" and the chances are that you will immediately think of a family tree.

Family trees are an important framework but they are one of several beginnings of your family history. Others are family photos, heirlooms, memorabilia, recipes and stories.

The family tree is not the end result, it is a tree which needs buds, flowers and foliage to grow and be productive. Your family stories are fruit of your family tree.

History from the Heart is not a genealogy website but we'd love to point you in the right directions as you search for your family roots.

Take the time to consider the resources below and those shown on our Family History Resources page.

• Before you rush out and sign up for one of the online search engines take a moment to see what you can achieve for free.
• A great place to look, especially for Commonwealth Records, is the National Archives of Australia. 
• State Archives and Libraries are often the best place to begin your search. Here is a list to start you on your quest:

Archives

 Libraries

Australian Capital Territory	National Library of Australia, Canberra
	ACT Heritage Library, Canberra
	Aust. Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
New South Wales	State Library of New South Wales, Sydney
Northern Territory	Northern Territory Library, Darwin
Queensland	State Library of Queensland, Brisbane
South Australia	State Library of South Australia, Adelaide
Tasmania	State Library of Tasmania, Hobart
Victoria	State Library of Victoria, Melbourne
Western Australia	State Library of Western Australia, Perth

You will be surprised at how much you can achieve and how much assistance you will receive.

Once you have your basic family tree (or branches of it) now is the time to gather the family stories.