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How do I research my family history?

Researching your family history can be a wonderful hobby but it is worth learning how to do it well, so that you don’t end up researching the wrong families!

The process of researching your family history involves collecting evidence from government and church records and other documents which demonstrate how people are related to each other. You start with yourself and find documents that demonstrate who your parents are, then you look for documents that demonstrate who their parents were – and you work backwards in time. As you do this, you also collect stories about your family and hopefully photos and other memorabilia.

Finding the right documents and evidence is the challenging part, because it varies by location and documents can sometimes be scarce. Interpreting the documents can also be a challenge.

The Society has been helping people trace their family history for over 85 years. We collect documents and other resources in the library and archives for you to use, and hold classes to teach you how to research. Check out our events calendar for what’s on.

While there are a lot of materials online through sites such as Ancestry, FamilySearch, Findmypast and government websites, not everything is available online. Libraries such as ours are still a very important place to visit if you are researching your family history.

To record your family history and the progress of your research, most people use family tree charts and some people find family history software is useful. We have software groups and regional special interest groups which meet regularly to provide support. Their meeting dates are in the Upcoming Events section.


If you would like to start researching your family history, visit our library and talk to one of our volunteers. They would be happy to help you get started. We also run courses for beginners, which you will find in our events calendar.

Image: Candelo Church of England, Candelo NSW, SAG Manuscript and Image Collection, Item 5/588

We recommend the following events if you are just starting out with your family history:

Upcoming events

    • 10 January 2026
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Online via Zoom
    • 498
    Register

    This presentation was formerly known as 'Beginners' Introduction to DNA'.

    Receiving your DNA test results is an exciting time but it can quickly become confusing.

    This session will look at the different types of tests available, which one is right for you and which companies do these tests.

    We will look at some basics to help you understand and interpret your matches and there will be plenty of time for questions so you can start finding those new cousins!

    Want 1-on-1 help with your DNA Action Plan?

    For an additional $10, you can book in a 20 minute, one-on-one session with one of our DNA volunteers where they will discuss your DNA research question with you and assist you to develop an action plan, focused on helping you solve your question.

    Book 1-on-1 at 1.30pm

    Book 1-on-1 at 2pm

    Book 1-on-1 at 2.30pm

    Book 1-on-1 at 3pm

    Book 1-on-1 at 3.30pm

    Your reservation code is located in your Event Confirmation email for FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy.

    Skill level: Beginners

    Presenter: Melissa Hulbert

    • 10 January 2026
    • 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 5
    Register

    Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

    Please note: You must be an attendee of the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy' lecture on Saturday 10 January 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

    A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

    On the day, you will need:

    • An explanation of your DNA research question; and
    • Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question
    The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer via shared screen during the session

    What will we do in the session?

    • We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
    • Takeaway action plan.

    What we will not do:

    • We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
    • We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

    To read more about the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy', click here

    • 10 January 2026
    • 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 5
    Register

    Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

    Please note: You must be an attendee of the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy' lecture on Saturday 10 January 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

    A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

    On the day, you will need:

    • An explanation of your DNA research question; and
    • Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question
    The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer via shared screen during the session

    What will we do in the session?

    • We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
    • Takeaway action plan.

    What we will not do:

    • We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
    • We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

    To read more about the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy', click here

    • 10 January 2026
    • 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 5
    Register

    Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

    Please note: You must be an attendee of the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy' lecture on Saturday 10 January 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

    A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

    On the day, you will need:

    • An explanation of your DNA research question; and
    • Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question
    The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer via shared screen during the session

    What will we do in the session?

    • We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
    • Takeaway action plan.

    What we will not do:

    • We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
    • We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

    To read more about the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy', click here

    • 10 January 2026
    • 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 5
    Register

    Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

    Please note: You must be an attendee of the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy' lecture on Saturday 10 January 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

    A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

    On the day, you will need:

    • An explanation of your DNA research question; and
    • Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question
    The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer via shared screen during the session

    What will we do in the session?

    • We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
    • Takeaway action plan.

    What we will not do:

    • We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
    • We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

    To read more about the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy', click here

    • 10 January 2026
    • 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 5
    Register

    Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

    Please note: You must be an attendee of the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy' lecture on Saturday 10 January 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

    A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

    On the day, you will need:

    • An explanation of your DNA research question; and
    • Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question
    The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer via shared screen during the session

    What will we do in the session?

    • We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
    • Takeaway action plan.

    What we will not do:

    • We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
    • We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

    To read more about the 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy', click here

    • 18 January 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 27
    Register

    Registration includes access to 3 hours of pre-recorded lectures + a 2.5 hour live online session.


    This practical session is designed for those who are just beginning to explore their AncestryDNA test results. We’ll walk through what you can access without an Ancestry subscription, then delve into the additional tools and features available to subscribers.

    Christine will share her personal tips and strategies for making the most of your results. The session includes demonstrations and real-life case studies, with plenty of time set aside for questions and discussion.

    Participants will also receive reference materials after the session, along with access to two pre-recorded one-hour webinars that reinforce the content covered.

    To get the most out of the session, it helps to have a basic understanding of the different types of DNA tests and their uses. After registering, you’ll receive a link to a one-hour pre-recorded webinar introducing these concepts.

    This session is limited to 25 participants to allow for interaction and support.


    Skill level: Beginner

    Presenter: Christine Woodlands

     
    • 19 March 2026
    • 07 May 2026
    • 7 sessions
    • via Zoom
    • 39
    Register

    Seven Part Online Course

    Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

    The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

    Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

    • Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
    • Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
    • Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
    • Using maps in family history research
    • Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
    • Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
    • Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

    While the course will focus on records available in Australia, North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland we will also touch on locating records in other countries and the skills you will learn can be applied to researching ancestors from anywhere in the world.

    Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

    Skill Level: Beginner


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

Past events

29 November 2025 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
22 October 2025 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History (Part 2)
11 October 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
11 October 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
11 October 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
11 October 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
11 October 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
11 October 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
11 October 2025 WEBINAR: FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy
07 October 2025 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History (Part 1)
01 October 2025 WEBINAR: First Look @ Ancestry Pro Tools
26 September 2025 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History (Part 2)
09 September 2025 SAG Show & Tell Series
27 August 2025 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History (Part 1)
17 August 2025 WEBINAR: FirstLook@ AncestryDNA
15 August 2025 COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History
05 July 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
05 July 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
05 July 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
05 July 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
05 July 2025 One-to-One DNA Research Action Plan Session
21 June 2025 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
17 May 2025 TALK: FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy
26 March 2025 FirstLook@ webinar series: Navigating family history databases and archives - Part 3
14 March 2025 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family Historians
12 March 2025 FirstLook@ webinar series: Navigating family history databases and archives - Part 2
26 February 2025 FirstLook@ webinar series: Navigating family history databases and archives - Part 1
22 February 2025 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
06 February 2025 WEBINAR: Plan, manage and organise your family history research using Notion
30 November 2024 WEBINAR: Introduction to DNA Painter
06 November 2024 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family Historians
02 November 2024 WEBINAR: Beginners' Introduction to DNA
01 November 2024 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family Historians
23 October 2024 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family Historians
16 October 2024 WEBINAR: GEDCOM - Who, What, Where, When & How?
28 September 2024 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
30 August 2024 COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History
29 August 2024 COURSE: Digital Skills for Family Historians
07 July 2024 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
29 June 2024 WEBINAR: Beginners' Introduction to DNA
02 June 2024 ONLINE WORKSHOP: Avoiding Scams & Staying Safe Online
25 May 2024 ONLINE WORKSHOP: Managing & Organising Files
24 May 2024 IN PERSON WORKSHOP: Managing & Organising Files
24 May 2024 IN PERSON WORKSHOP: Working with Photos & Images
22 May 2024 ONLINE WORKSHOP: Working with Images & Photos
22 May 2024 IN PERSON WORKSHOP: Working with Photos & Images
22 May 2024 IN PERSON WORKSHOP: Avoiding Scams & Staying Safe Online
20 May 2024 IN PERSON WORKSHOP: Managing & Organising Files
20 May 2024 IN PERSON WORKSHOP: Avoiding Scams & Staying Safe Online
03 February 2024 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
13 January 2024 WEBINAR: Beginners' Introduction to DNA
04 November 2023 WEBINAR: Introduction to MyHeritage DNA
28 October 2023 WEBINAR: Beginners' Introduction to DNA
07 October 2023 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
15 September 2023 WORKSHOP: Using search engines
01 September 2023 WORKSHOP: Using search engines
01 September 2023 WORKSHOP: Getting Started With & Using Zoom
11 August 2023 COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History
19 July 2023 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
13 July 2023 ONLINE WORKSHOP: All about cloud subscription apps
30 June 2023 WORKSHOP: Using search engines
30 June 2023 WORKSHOP: Getting Started With & Using Zoom
27 May 2023 WEBINAR: Beginners' Introduction to DNA
28 March 2023 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
09 March 2023 COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History
21 January 2023 WEBINAR: Beginners' Introduction to DNA
14 January 2023 WEBINAR: Introduction to MyHeritage DNA
09 January 2023 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
20 November 2022 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA - NSW & ACT Association of Family History Societies Raffle Prize
29 October 2022 WEBINAR: Beginners Introduction to DNA
31 August 2022 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
12 August 2022 COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History
04 July 2022 WEBINAR: Introduction to Blogger - Telling your family story
25 June 2022 WEBINAR: Beginners Introduction to DNA
24 May 2022 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
09 April 2022 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
16 February 2022 COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History
29 January 2022 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
18 January 2022 Webinar: Legacy Family History Software for beginners
13 January 2022 Analysing Your Ancestry DNA Results
08 January 2022 WEBINAR: Beginners Introduction to DNA
07 December 2021 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
27 November 2021 WEBINAR: UK Census Overview
02 November 2021 WEBINAR: Follow Up Meeting: Introduction to Blogger - Telling Your Family Story
23 October 2021 WEBINAR: Beginners Introduction to DNA
12 October 2021 WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA
21 September 2021 WEBINAR: Introduction to Blogger - Telling your family story
10 July 2021 WEBINAR: Beginners Introduction to DNA
15 May 2021 WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners
12 May 2021 Analysing Your Ancestry DNA Results
06 March 2021 Family Tree Maker Beginners Course
20 January 2021 Analysing Your Ancestry DNA Results
16 January 2021 WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners
10 October 2020 WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners
25 July 2020 WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners
23 May 2020 WEBINAR: Family history software & charting – Family Tree Maker & Legacy
23 May 2020 WEBINAR: Family history software & charting – Introduction
30 April 2020 LECTURE: Convict records in the NSW State Archives
30 April 2020 WEBINAR: Convict records in the NSW State Archives
18 April 2020 GROUP: Legacy Software Users Group
04 April 2020 WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners
04 April 2020 FREE LIBRARY TOUR: Where do I start at the SAG library?
01 April 2020 WEBINAR: Putting your family history online
19 March 2020 LECTURE: Deciphering handwriting
12 March 2020 FREE RICHMOND VILLA TOUR: What's in the SAG archives (MIDAS)?
26 February 2020 FREE LIBRARY TOUR: Where do I start at the SAG library?
08 February 2020 GROUP: Family Tree Maker AM session
23 January 2020 FREE RICHMOND VILLA TOUR: What's in the SAG archives (MIDAS)?
18 January 2020 GROUP: Legacy Software Users Group
18 January 2020 FREE LIBRARY TOUR: Where do I start at the SAG library?
11 January 2020 GROUP: DNA Research Group - Beginners
07 January 2020 WEBINAR: Reviewing your research - get past that roadblock in your tree

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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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