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EVENTS

We organise a comprehensive range of activities, including lectures, workshops, tours, and group meetings that are available to everyone.                                                  Additionally, we conduct exclusive free and discounted events for our members.

ONLINE DELIVERY: mOST events are delivered online using Zoom - CHECK DETAILS of In-person and hybrid offerings.

Online bookings can close early to support administrative requirements, however, late bookings may be made by calling the office during office hours on (02) 9247 3953 or sending an email to admin[at]sag.org.au.

With the exception of some events, usually those focussing on genetic genealogy where there may be privacy issues, most of our online sessions are recorded, so even if you cannot attend at the scheduled time you can still book and receive the recording.  The event listing will specify if the event is not being recorded.


If an event is listed as partially recorded (usually an event related to the use of genetic genealogy techniques) this means that any  presentations given as part of the event are recorded; discussions and sensitive case studies are not recorded. 


Most of our events are open to non-members as well as members. However, non-members will pay a bit more.

Registration types: The member category is used by members of the Society. Members must be logged in to make a booking.  Everyone else should book using the non-member category.

Multiple event registrations: Please see this link for how to register for two or more events and pay once online.

Details of the Friday Hang Out with the SAG and other member-only events can be found at: www.sag.org.au/Member-Area.

Upcoming events

    • 03 July 2024
    • 04 December 2024
    • 6 sessions
    • Via Zoom
    • 366
    Register

    Why not join Michelle Patient and her expert Ancestry guests on the first Wednesday each month for some tips, tricks and time for your questions on anything to do with the Ancestry website and the services it provides.

    The meeting dates covered by this ticket are: 3 July, 7 August, 4 September, 2 October, 6 November and 4 December.

    Are you struggling with a particular part of the Ancestry website? Is there a new feature or record set you would like to know more about? Questions for the Ancestry Tips session can be submitted in advance by clicking on this  link  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SAG_Ancestry_Tips_Advance_Question

     If you book part way through the season you will receive a link to the recordings of any sessions you have missed.

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Michelle Patient (SAG member and Ancestry ProGenealogist contractor)


    • 10 July 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • 31 December 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    Register

    This is an expression of interest (EoI) only to assist us to gauge the level of demand for this course with applications due by 28 February 2025 for the next intake. Applications forms will be issued following registration to this EoI.

    Once a member has completed the Certificate in Genealogical Research they have the option to take their studies further by enrolling in our Diploma in Family Historical Studies. The Diploma has been running since 1974 and enrolment is open to any member who completes the Certificate course at a credit level of 75% or higher. Requirements for the Diploma are the completion of a thesis (20,000 words) and a written examination -for more information see: https://www.sag.org.au/StudyOnlineWithUs.

    • 19 September 2024
    • 12 December 2024
    • 31 sessions

    The SAG Family History Research Centre & Library will is open on Tuesdays and Thursday each week, and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 10.00am - 4.00pm.*

    Members are welcome to use the library as part of their membership. Non-members pay a day fee on arrival. 

    Bookings to use the Library are not required. 

    For more info visit our info page here.

    Contact the Library on (02) 9299 5151


    The SAG Family History Research Centre & Library is a community space where we connect with researchers in person and online. It is the heart of our research support service joining together our experienced volunteers and staff with members and the public.

    Our collection is a treasure trove of resources for family historians and genealogists to learn from! Our dedicated family history library collection contains the Society’s print and electronic items which cover both Australian and international material (especially England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland). Our diverse collection includes BDM indexes, biographies, cemetery transcriptions, burial registers, local histories, parish registers, published family histories, shipping records and more!

    We provide access to the major commercial sites such as Ancestry, FindMyPast, The Genealogist, MyHeritage, British Newspaper Archive, Discovery (National Archives UK), Biographical Database of Australia and much more. We also have more than 2,200 electronic databases covering both Australian and overseas topics.

    We are also an 'affiliate library' of FamilySearch and have increased access to digital collections. 


    * The Library is closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and public holidays except for organised events. Saturday dates do differ in January and December each year. 

    • 27 November 2024
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 441
    Register

    Are you wanting to learn about some of the latest technology tools and AI approaches for Family History?  Wanting some tips and tricks for using different software? Join our bi-monthly AI & IT Special Interest Group Meetings.

    Each session is made of a combination of these different segments (in order to try and encourage participation and sharing). These sessions are designed to be member driven so if you have something to share or a topic to be covered, please put it forward.  Any content e.g. AI, software, hardware, tools etc. can be slotted into these broad categories.

    • Latest Updates - Developments in AI, software and hardware
    • News and Views - Opinions, discussion points, recommended software/hardware
    • Quick Tips - 3 minutes or less
    • Show & Tell - like at school - share something you've done with AI or Tech
    • In Depth Focus - longer demonstration of tools, software
    • Helpdesk - problems and support, suggestions


    Skill level: All

    Group Leads: Andrew Redfern, Yvonne Masters, Sandy Pullen and Maureen Trotter 


    • 30 November 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 494

    Topic: TBA

    Calling all SAG members and friends with Caribbean ancestry or interests! After a bit of a hiatus we are looking to restart our Caribbean Research Interest Group.

    Join guest facilitator Sally Byatt and SAG Education Manager Vanessa Cassin as we discuss all things Caribbean.

    Everyone is welcome to attend and, as SAG Research Groups are collaborative, we ask that all attendees please help their fellow researchers by offering suggestions of how to progress their research or simply share any resources you may be aware of which may help. 


    Meeting Leads: Sally Byatt and Vanessa Cassin

    Skill level: All

    This group meeting is being held online and will be recorded for those who are unable to attend live.

    Image courtesy of Unsplash

    • 30 November 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 474
    Register

    This is an introductory session that will explain what chromosome mapping is and why mapping our DNA segments can benefit our DNA research and help us piece together our family tree. The session will specifically look at how we can use the DNA Painter (https://dnapainter.com/) website to assist with this process.

    We’ll look at downloading DNA data and uploading this data into DNA Painter and start ‘painting’ our chromosomes. We’ll also spend some time looking at interpreting the results and there will also be plenty of time for questions.

    This is a stand-alone session to help new users understand and benefit from ‘chromosome painting’ with DNA Painter.

    This is an online session using the ZOOM platform.

    Skill level: Beginner users of DNA Painter, understanding of the basic principles of using DNA for genealogy would be beneficial.

    Presenter: Melissa Hulbert


    Where an event is recorded the recording link will be emailed to registrants within five working days of the live presentation. 





    • 03 December 2024
    • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Online via Zoom
    • 116
    Register

    Family History Connect | The cause of death was...

    Our 'members-only' series, Family History Connect, feature themed sessions focusing on particular areas of genealogical research.

    Sessions are generally facilitated by one of the Society’s wonderful volunteers and this session will take place online.  These sessions are open to all current members of the Society. 

    The cause of death was …

    Join Patrice Connelly for another webinar, this time looking at causes of death and the strange terms given on the certificates. Did your ancestor die of debility, anasarca, hydrothorax, dropsy, mortification, pigeon fancier’s lung, ague, hydrophobia, bloody flux or an Act of God?

    What were some of the unexpected causes of death for you to consider? And what does the cause of death tell you about your ancestor’s lifestyle?

    Did they die from diabetes caused by the new fad for having as much sugar as possible, or from peritonitis caused by chronic constipation? This is Part 1 with occupational diseases coming in Part 2.

    This is a members only event that will take place via Zoom.

    Bookings are essential for this session.




    • 03 December 2024
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 461
    Register

    The Source Citations Group is a new members-only research group that the Society is introducing to provide ongoing support to those who want to improve their skills in citing sources. Come along to this free session for an overview of the topic and to find out how the group could benefit your research.   

    • 07 December 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 483
    Register

    Topic: Working with FamilyTreeDNA tools

    This session will explore the various tools available on the FamilyTreeDNA site for use with autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA. Members of the DNA Research Group will demonstrate how they are using the tools to enhance their research. Any Member who has a tool they would like to demonstrate should contact the convenors at least 7 days prior to the session.

    The DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice is a collaborative group designed to assist researchers with the analysis and interpretation of genetic genealogy results. 

    The group is designed to meet the needs of attendees with an intermediate level of knowledge of genetic genealogy.

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec


    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    • 07 December 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 484
    Register

    Topic: Y-DNA case studies

    This session is a facilitated discussion session which will

    a) Examine and discuss several Y-DNA examples to assess results and explore ideas for further research.

    b) Provide an opportunity for members to ask questions about the analysis and use of YDNA results.

    Information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. It requires pre-work by participants with all expected to contribute to the discussion.

    In the first part of the session, we will take a look at case studies which will highlight the interpretation of results (STR and BigY700), most particularly in relation to matches, haplogroups and genetic trees.

    This section of the session will be recorded.

    The second part of the session will be a facilitated round table Q&A session.

    This section of the session will NOT be recorded and could be thought of as "Everything you ever wanted to know about YDNA testing but were afraid/never got around to ask”.....

    Questions could include (but not limited to) the following:

    - I just don't get...,

    - How can I use ........(from my results to assist my research?

    - I have heard/seen the following.... What does that mean?

    - I have the following genealogy mystery/dilemma/brick wall...Should I test? Who?

    - Should I upgrade?

    - I would like to know more about.....

    - Questions relating to the case studies presented.

    It is preferred that questions be submitted prior to the session. Questions can be accompanied by slides.

    Contact details for submitting advance questions for the meeting will be included in the confirmation email you receive after registering.

     Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Presenter: Christine Hingerty

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    Please note: The topics and tools discussed at this group are pitched at an advanced level and the Research Discussion Group meetings are not recommended for those just beginning their DNA journey.



    • 10 December 2024
    • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Online via Zoom
    • 15
    Register

    ASK THE LIBRARIAN!

    Have you ever wondered what's inside the SAG library collection? Have you ever been uncertain on what to search for in the online catalogue?  What questions do you have about the library?

    The virtual library session is an opportunity to ask these questions and more to the SAG Librarian (Karlie Frelingos). If you have ever wondered about types of materials we have in the library or how to use the library catalogue this might be the session for you!

    This session will be online via zoom at 2:30pm - 3:30pm, Tuesday 10th of December.  



    • 10 December 2024
    • 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 490
    Register

    Are you interested to undertake the Society's Diploma of Family Historical Studies? 

    If you have already completed the Society's Certificate of Genealogical Research and considering applying but are unsure what to include in the synopsis section of your application you are invited to join the Society’s CEO, Ruth Graham, for a free workshop discussing the key points that should be addressed.

    This event will be held via the ZOOM Platform.


    This webinar will be recorded, so you can either watch it live or watch it later.

    • 11 December 2024
    • 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 477
    Register

    As family historians we know the value of cemeteries and memorial parks to our research. We are all concerned for the future of these places where our ancestors rest.

    Join us for an insightful webinar on the future of memorial parks, where we will explore critical issues shaping these spaces, delving into the importance of placemaking, death literacy and sustainability initiatives, to ensure that memorial parks remain relevant and valued community assets.

    Presented in collaboration with Metropolitan Memorial Parks. 

     

    • 12 December 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 189
    Register

    The Writing Group

    Are you interested in writing about your family history but need a bit more motivation or encouragement? 

    Come along to The Writing Group and work on your writing skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The group meets via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month and has a varied program of activities and speakers designed to help you progress your project/s - whatever style of writing you are interested in!

    In addition to the group meetings there is an optional forum utilising the Basecamp website where group attendees can discuss writing projects and share ideas between meetings. 

    Come and join us, new attendees are always welcome.

    Skill Level: All    

    Group Leads: Elizabeth Capelin & Emily Purser


    Each session will be recorded so you can join live or watch the recording later.

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LOCATIONS

Library - 2/379 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000                       

Offices/Archives - 120 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000 (Also our postal address)


Gadigal Land

Location map

See our hours of opening for each building.

NSW Charitable Fundraising No. CFN/26276

CONTACT US

+61 2 9299 5151 Library (during opening hours)

+61 2 9247 3953 Office            


Email

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