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• Expression of Interest to enrol in Diploma of Family Historical Studies (2025)

  • Start
    10 July 2024
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    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.

  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.

  Applications for admission to the Diploma course are taken from January - 28 February each year for those who successfully completed the Certificate course in prior years. The application form for our 2025 intake is available from this link.

  
  

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• COURSE: Intermediate Research Methods (Cohort 1 2025)

  • Start
    31 December 2024
  •  
  • End
    22 April 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    20

  Register

  Have you been researching your family history for three years or more? Are you ready to strengthen your core research skills and tackle those difficult research problems?

  If your answer to both these questions is yes then join Danielle Lautrec for SAG’s new Research Methods course.
  

  The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to announce the return of its online course, Intermediate Research Methods.

  Over the course of ten sessions (eighteen contact hours in total), consisting of a combination of pre-recorded lectures and live workshops delivered via Zoom, you will work on a case study from your own research to learn about:

  • Research planning

  • Analytical methods

  • Documentation

  
  

  IMPORTANT NOTE: The sessions listed as starting at 9am on the dates below are pre-recorded. You will receive an email at approximately 9am AEDT on those dates with a link to view the recordings in your own time, prior to the next live session. 

  
  

  • 31 December 2025: Sessions 1 and 2
  • 4 February 2025: Session 5
  • 18 March 2025: Session 8

  You will still receive an automatically generated reminder email about these sessions, however, there will be no live presentation on those dates.

  
  

  For more detailed information about the course and presenter please click on the link below.

   2025 Intermediate Research Methods Course flyer v1.pdf

  
  

  Presenter: Danielle Lautrec

  Skill Level: Intermediate

  
  

  To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations please click here.

  
  

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• WEBINAR: Wikitree Connectathon Information and Planning Session

  • When
    15 January 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    491

  Register

  Wikitree Connectathon Information and Planning Session

  If you are participating in the 2025 Winter (January) Wikitree Connectathon, or want to find out more about it before you decide to join, come along to this informal discussion session. Find out about Wikitree and what is involved in a Connectathon. Discuss strategies and tools you can use, and meet others who will be participating. A handout will be provided with key links to information, but you can also check out these links: www.wikitree.com   www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Connect-a-Thon   

   

  Facilitated by Veronica Williams & Danielle Lautrec

  
  

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• GROUP: Source Citations Group

  • When
    18 January 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    489

  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.

  Membership of this group will be $15 for the first half of the year (to 30 June). Members will receive:

  • One 2 hour live workshop, held on 18 January 2025 at 10am AEDT and also recorded.
  • Membership of Basecamp group that includes:
  • • Chat section, ask questions, monitored by 2-4 ‘mentors’
    • Files – examples, guides, templates etc
    • Recordings of short sessions, e.g. citations in FTM, citations in Legacy, Cite-Builder
    • Other resources such as information about tools and websites
    • Exercises to practice on

   To assist our mentors to prepare for the group we would appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to complete a very short survey about your previous experience/learning about citations. The survey can by accessed by clicking on the below link.

  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CitationsGp
  

  
  

  Group Mentors: Danielle Lautrec, Jennie Fairs & Lyn Hudson-Williamson

  
  

  
  

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• Family History Connect | The cause of death was... (Part 2)

  • When
    21 January 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    143

  Register

  

  Family History Connect | The cause of death was... (Part 2)

  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 … (Part 2)

  Join Patrice Connelly for another webinar, this time looking at death caused by accident and the dangers of various occupations. Did your ancestor die from Chimney Sweeps' cancer, Phossy jaw, Mad Hatter's disease or Cordwainer's limp? Were they poisoned or effectively suffocated by their job? Patrice will cover a variety of occupational hazards which have caused death and disease through the ages.

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

  Bookings are essential for this session.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• WEBINAR: Courses Information Session

  • When
    22 January 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    495

  Register

  

  Are you feeling inspired to start some formal study in family history this year?

  Join the Society’s CEO and other staff as they talk you through the course options available at the SAG throughout 2025.

  These include our Beginner’s Practical Introduction to Family History course, our existing suite of online courses on research methodology, the Certificate in Genealogical Research and Diploma in Family Historical Studies alongside our DNA research offerings. See this website for  information: https://www.sag.org.au/StudyOnlineWithUs

  All welcome!

  This event will be held via the ZOOM Platform.

  
  

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• WEBINAR: SAG’s 2025 Diploma Synopsis Workshop

  • When
    28 January 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    497

  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.

  Show details
• GROUP: AI & IT Special Interest Group

  • When
    29 January 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    486

  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 

  
  

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• GROUP: Scottish Research Group

  • When
    30 January 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    495

  Register

  

  Come along and join us as we research our Scottish ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research. 

  Skill level:  All, beginners welcome    

  Leads: Diana Pecar, Elizabeth Gordon and Sally Skulte

  
  

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• 2025 February Certificate in Genealogical Research - Enrolment

  • Start
    03 February 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    31 December 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  The Society's Certificate in Genealogical Research is designed for those with more than three years family history research experience and who have gained at least some elementary research skills and a broad, even if basic, knowledge of resources available. To complete the assessments, you are expected to extend your research beyond what can be found on the internet and to use local libraries and family history society collections, either in-person or remotely where possible. 

  The course consists of 8 assignments plus an online exam undertaken across a year. For each assignment you will be given the outline of what is required, together with some guidance to consider in preparing your submission. The assignments have been carefully selected to reflect the sorts of skills needed by genealogists and the course is essentially practical exercises in self-directed learning from experience.

  More details about the program, including 2025 cohort due dates and  FAQ can be found by clicking on the link below.

  SAG Certificate in Genealogical Research 2025 cohorts.pdf

  The induction webinar to be held on 3 February at 7pm AEDT will be recorded, so you can either watch it live or watch it later.

  Show details
• WEBINAR: Plan, manage and organise your family history research using Notion

  • When
    06 February 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    498

  Register

  Learn how the free online app, Notion, can help you plan, manage and organise your family history research and writing. Use Notion to plan your research, and keep track of research tasks and source citations. Use it to connect your research plans with your research notes and evidence documentation, improving research outcomes. Use it to plan and coordinate your writing projects and tasks, such as coursework, articles, blog posts and social media. Feel more in control, save heaps of time and improve the quality of your family history.

  Presenter: Danielle Lautrec

  

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

  Show details
• GROUP: The Writing Group February Meeting

  • When
    13 February 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    200

  Register

  

  About 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.

  Show details
• GROUP: English Research Group

  • When
    13 February 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    496

  Register

  

  Come along and join us as we research our English ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research. 

  This is an online session using the Zoom platform.

  Convenors: Diana Pecar, Linda Radulovitch and Annesley Watson

  Skill level: All

  
  

  Show details
• WEBINAR: SAG Book Club/Meet the Author - The Golden Thread by Téa Cooper

  • When
    19 February 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    497

  Register

  

  Join us in our online book club event for an opportunity to meet the author, share ideas with other enthusiastic readers and gain new perspectives on our own family history research. This event is FREE for Society members - if you are not yet a member, we'd love you to join!

  We look forward to discussing The Golden Thread with author Téa Cooper.

  How does it work?

  SAG Book Club events are free to SAG members. Each event runs via Zoom for about an hour. Sometimes we will be joined by the book’s author or another special guest, and sometimes we’ll have opportunities for small discussion groups to share our reactions and insights with fellow SAG members: www.sag.org.au/BookClub

  This event will be held via the ZOOM Platform.

  

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

  
  

  
  

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• WEBINAR: SAG New Member Induction

  • When
    20 February 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    500

  Register

  Are you a new member and want to find out how to get the most out of your SAG membership? Or maybe you’ve been a member for a while but not really utilised our services and want to know what to do next. 

  This event will be held via the ZOOM Platform.

  

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

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA

  • When
    22 February 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  

  This session is ideal for people who are starting to work with their AncestryDNA test results. We’ll cover the reporting features for testers who don’t have an Ancestry subscription and then the additional features that come with subscriptions. Christine will share her "Top 10" techniques for working with AncestryDNA.

  Demonstrations and case studies will be featured in the session. There'll be plenty of time for questions. Reference material will be available after the session.

  Participants should have an understanding of the different types of DNA tests and how they can be used. This is covered in Beginners’ Introduction to DNA. When you register, we’ll send you a link to a pre-recorded webinar if you’d like a refresh.

  This session is limited to 25 participants.

  
  

  Skill level: Beginner

  Presenter: Christine Woodlands 

  Show details
• Let's Talk About...Crafting for Family History

  • When
    24 February 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    499

  Register

  Join our panel as we talk about crafting for family history! More information to come soon.

  Do you have a question you are desperate to have answered? Why not submit it in advance. Click on the link to send us your question now https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SAG-Talk-about-question
  

  NOTE: We will try to answer all advance questions that are submitted, however, at times the volume of questions received means this is not possible.

  Please note: Members will need to be logged into the website to register.

  This is an online session using the ZOOM platform.

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

  
  

  Show details
• GROUP: Irish Research Group

  • When
    12 March 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    496

  Register

  

  Come along and join us as we research our Irish ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research. 

  Skill level: All

       Group Leads: Kathleen Hackett, Alan Jones & Sally Skulte

  Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

  
  

  Show details
• GROUP: The Writing Group March Meeting

  • When
    13 March 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    200

  Register

  

  About 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.

  Show details
• Family History Connect | The Irish Archaeological Societies

  • When
    18 March 2025
  •  
    2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    148

  Register

  

  Family History Connect | The Irish Archaeological Societies

  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 Irish Archaeological Societies

  There are many genealogical resources in several series of journals published in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries in Ireland. Many of these are available on Internet Archive and copies are also in the SAG Library. Patrice Connelly will be your tour guide around Ireland as she visits societies in Kildare, Louth, Waterford and elsewhere to show you not only the genealogies, but also how the various types of histories – social, antiquarian, topographical and others – can enliven your genealogy research. There are a number of similar society journals published in Britain as well, so you can use the same techniques to visit those.

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

  Bookings are essential for this session.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• GROUP: AI & IT Special Interest Group

  • When
    26 March 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    494

  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 

  
  

  Show details
• GROUP: DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice

  • When
    29 March 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    499

  Register

  Topic: TBA

  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

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• GROUP: DNA Research Discussion Group

  • When
    29 March 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    500

  Register

  

  Topic: TBA

   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.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• 2025 August Certificate in Genealogical Research - Enrolment

  • Start
    05 August 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    31 August 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  The Society's Certificate in Genealogical Research is designed for those with more than three years family history research experience and who have gained at least some elementary research skills and a broad, even if basic, knowledge of resources available. To complete the assessments, you are expected to extend your research beyond what can be found on the internet and to use local libraries and family history society collections, either in-person or remotely where possible. 

  The course consists of 8 assignments plus an online exam undertaken across a year. For each assignment you will be given the outline of what is required, together with some guidance to consider in preparing your submission. The assignments have been carefully selected to reflect the sorts of skills needed by genealogists and the course is essentially practical exercises in self-directed learning from experience.

  More details about the program, including 2025 cohort due dates and  FAQ can be found by clicking on the link below.

  SAG Certificate in Genealogical Research 2025 cohorts.pdf

  The induction webinar to be held on 3 February at 7pm AEDT will be recorded, so you can either watch it live or watch it later.

  Show details