This presentation will look at the resources available to undertake a search for the development of the land where you live. Our focus for this presentation will be on the Parish of Sutherland but the research shown will be applicable to all areas.

Using examples, we examine the websites that can provide us with this insight. Real Estate sales posters and aerial photography will be used to allow us to understand historical development in your local area. It combines local history with practical research techniques.

Image Courtesy of the State Library of NSW [Arncliffe Subdivision Plans] [Cartographic Material]. Various, 1859. 

About the Presenter:

Jeff Madsen has had a long career in Information Technology using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software to prepare maps for Government, private enterprise and family researchers.

He has used the Historical Land Records Viewer (HLRV) since 1999 to access digitised Parish Maps and, more recently, to research NSW Historical Land Records for property owned by ancestors.

It became evident that this Spatial knowledge could be used in genealogical research. Using maps and investigating areas of historical geography would enhance family stories by finding information beyond names and dates.

Jeff regularly presents on the topic of NSW land research at Family History Societies and conferences.