MEETING DATES 2015

Meeting held 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10am in the Tebbutt Room, Windsor Library

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HINTS

Handwriting

Many family history researchers have difficulties reading handwriting used in wills, church registers and most manuscripts. The National Archives (UK) has a web tutorial to help researchers study old handwriting, known as Palaeography. It will assist with understanding handwriting which was used in family history documents from the 1600s to 1800s. Go to website for more info http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/palaeography/

Gaol Photographs

The Gaol Photograph Index is an ongoing project from State Records. An extra 11,739 entries from the State Penitentiary Long Bay photographic description books were recently indexed and added to the Gaol Photograph Index. An were added to the index, which is available for searching on the State Records website. The addition of the State Penitentiary Long Bay photographs completes this index at http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/indexes-online/gaol-records

EVENTS

THE MAKINGS OF A CITY: SEX, CRIME & POLITICS - CASTLEREAGH CONNECTIONS

Penrith Library are holding their 15th Annual History Conference at the Bonynge Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith. On Saturday 12 March 2016. Register from 8.30am. Conference 9am-4pm. Cost: $50 pp. Enquiries Penrith Library 02 4732 7891 researchservices@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

EXAMINING HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS SESSION - Thursday 28 April 6.30-8.30 pm

By looking at the records that document various aspects of a person's life, Michelle Nichols, Local History Librarian will demonstrate how to enhance your historical research and add layers of information. Central Library - $10 per person. To book phone 4560-4460 or email programs@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

WALKING/DRIVING TOUR: McGRATHS HILL & PITT TOWN CEMETERIES

Thursday 12 May & Saturday 28 May 10-11.45 am
Rediscover some of the Hawkesbury's lesser known cemeteries with a visit to McGraths Hill and Pitt Town during Heritage Festival. Discover some of the stories behind the individuals buried in these historic places. FREE - bookings essential. Phone 4560 4460.

TOUR: REDISCOVER THE OLD MORGUE & HOSPITAL PRECINCT

Friday 20 May 11 am-noon and Saturday 21 May 11 am-noon
Join a tour of the Old Hospital site, including the historic morgue, and see how the whole site is used today. FREE - bookings essential. Phone 4560 4460.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HISTORICAL NEWSPAPERS

Tuesday 24 May 6.30-8.30 pm
Newspapers are an important source for historical research. Find out what is available online and how to get the most out of these records. Central Library $10 – bookings essential. Phone 4560 4460.

STATE RECORDS DISCOVERY TOUR Friday 22 April 10.30am-noon

Join a behind the scenes tour of the State Records complex. Discover how over 76 kilometres of State Archives are stored and cared for. Come and explore this fascinating collection. The tour will include a visit to the Conservation Laboratory to see conservators at work preserving historic documents. There will also be an opportunity to look at some treasures from the collection on display. Be prepared for a long walk and wear your walking shoes. Rediscover your love of history on the discovery tour. State Records NSW 143 O'Connell Street Kingswood. To book phone Emily Hanna (02) 9673 1788

REMINDER - FAMILY, LOCAL & SOCIAL HISTORY EXPO - SATURDAY 16 APRIL 2016

Hosted by Kiama Family History Centre the expo will be held at the Kiama Pavilion on Saturday 16 April 2016, and open from 9am to 4pm. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome to join us in celebrating Australia's unique history. For more info http://fhc.kiama.nsw.gov.au/index.php/family-local-social-history-expo-2016

SURFING THE INTERNET...SITES FOR FAMILY HISTORIANS

Members with internet access should check out the following interesting sites. The Library has free access to the internet, contact 4560 4460 for bookings at Windsor & 4578 2002 for Richmond bookings. If you have your own laptop we also have free wireless. The password is available from the Information Desk.

• Copy at your peril - blogpost from Jill Ball
  http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2016/03/copy-at-your-peril.html

• Top 100 genealogy websites
  http://www.genealogyintime.com/articles/top-100-genealogy-websites-of-2016-page02.html

• DNA explained
  http://dna-explained.com/2016/01/06/we-matchbut-are-we-related/

• Queensland Customs House Shipping Index 1852-1885
  http://qld-genealogy.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/free-certificates-in-archives-files.html

~ Have you visited any good websites lately? Please let us know history@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au ~