Society of Australian Genealogists upcoming events

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (09 April 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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

WEBINAR: FirstLook@ AncestryDNA (11 April 2026)

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (23 April 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

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

SAG Show & Tell Series (28 April 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing a full memoir? Why not start smaller — with one powerful story at a time.

SAG Show & Tell teaches you to create short, five-minute family stories using images, slides and words — a mini TED Talk.

Over four sessions, you’ll craft and shape your own story-driven slide presentation and practice delivering it with confidence. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to present at one of our new in-person Show & Tell nights — or have someone else do it on your behalf.

We plan to create a welcoming space for sharing family history in a fresh format. Whether you're exploring or warming up for a longer memoir, this is the place to begin.

Skills Required:

If you can click, drag, talk and type — you’re in! Apart from being able to use Zoom, no tech skills are needed. We will walk you through the basics of making a simple slideshow using tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides. No stress, no jargon — just stories, images, and a bit of fun.

By the end of the first session, you’ll want to decide on your chosen story. It’s helpful if this is something you’ve already researched and can be illustrated with images (think historical photos, postcards, scanned ephemera). We aim to focus on storytelling rather than research.

Course Outline

Session 1 (2 hours)

Slide presentation basics
What makes a powerful presentation
Can you really tell a story in 5 minutes?
How to gather your story elements
Story construction
Questions

Session 2 (2 hours)

What I learned from Lost in Shanghai
Selecting images
Putting it all together
Questions

Session 3 (2 hours) - Show & Tell online

Over to you!
We'll run the slides (if you prefer), you'll do the Show & Tell
Feedback and tips

This is a hands-on workshop rather than a presentation with activities through-out. A recording will be made and distributed but you’ll get the most benefit by attending live. There will be handouts at the end of each session.

Presenter: Jane Hutcheon

Jane Hutcheon is a journalist, performer and family history buff. After 25 years with the ABC, she turned the lens on her own ancestry, creating the 2022-4 theatre production Lost in Shanghai. Jane is the author of three books and writes for The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC Online and other publications.

You can find her on Substack: janehutcheon.substack.com

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (30 April 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

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

SAG Show & Tell Series (05 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing a full memoir? Why not start smaller — with one powerful story at a time.

SAG Show & Tell teaches you to create short, five-minute family stories using images, slides and words — a mini TED Talk.

We plan to create a welcoming space for sharing family history in a fresh format. Whether you're exploring or warming up for a longer memoir, this is the place to begin.

Skills Required:

Course Outline

Session 1 (2 hours)

Slide presentation basics
What makes a powerful presentation
Can you really tell a story in 5 minutes?
How to gather your story elements
Story construction
Questions

Session 2 (2 hours)

What I learned from Lost in Shanghai
Selecting images
Putting it all together
Questions

Session 3 (2 hours) - Show & Tell online

Over to you!
We'll run the slides (if you prefer), you'll do the Show & Tell
Feedback and tips

Presenter: Jane Hutcheon

You can find her on Substack: janehutcheon.substack.com

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (07 May 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

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

IN PERSON: FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results (09 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:30:00 GMT

This presentation was formerly known as 'Beginners' Introduction to DNA' and FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy'.

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

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

Skill level: Beginners

Presenter: Melissa Hulbert

One-on-One DNA Research Action Plan Session (09 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 03:30:00 GMT

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@ DNA Testing & Results' lecture on Saturday 9 May 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 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 'FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results', click here

One-on-One DNA Research Action Plan Session (09 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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@ DNA Testing & Results' lecture on Saturday 9 May 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 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 'FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results', click here

One-on-One DNA Research Action Plan Session (09 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 04:30:00 GMT

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@ DNA Testing & Results' lecture on Saturday 9 May 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 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 'FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results', click here

COURSE: Making the Most of Ancestry - Level 1 (11 May 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Three Part Online Course

Ancestry is a powerful platform, but many family historians use only a fraction of what it offers — often without being sure they are using it well.

Making the Most of Ancestry – Level 1 is a practical, confidence-building course designed to help you understand how Ancestry works and how to use it effectively. Delivered over three live online sessions, the course focuses on core skills such as navigating the site, understanding trees and settings, managing people and relationships, attaching records with purpose, and developing clear, sustainable habits.

This course is ideal for new or self-taught Ancestry users who want clarity, structure and confidence. An accompanying workbook supports learning during and after the sessions with many examples and demonstrations to assist learning.

Level 1 focuses on foundational principles and essential techniques that every family historian should know; topics such as DNA and advanced research techniques will be covered in later courses.

Presenter: Andrew Redfern, Vanessa Cassin & Gemma Beswick

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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

COURSE: Making the Most of Ancestry - Level 1 (18 May 2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Three Part Online Course

Presenter: Andrew Redfern, Vanessa Cassin & Gemma Beswick

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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

SAG Show & Tell Series (21 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing a full memoir? Why not start smaller — with one powerful story at a time.

SAG Show & Tell teaches you to create short, five-minute family stories using images, slides and words — a mini TED Talk.

We plan to create a welcoming space for sharing family history in a fresh format. Whether you're exploring or warming up for a longer memoir, this is the place to begin.

Skills Required:

Course Outline

Session 1 (2 hours)

Slide presentation basics
What makes a powerful presentation
Can you really tell a story in 5 minutes?
How to gather your story elements
Story construction
Questions

Session 2 (2 hours)

What I learned from Lost in Shanghai
Selecting images
Putting it all together
Questions

Session 3 (2 hours) - Show & Tell online

Over to you!
We'll run the slides (if you prefer), you'll do the Show & Tell
Feedback and tips

Presenter: Jane Hutcheon

You can find her on Substack: janehutcheon.substack.com

COURSE: Making the Most of Ancestry - Level 1 (25 May 2026)

Mon, 25 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Three Part Online Course

Presenter: Andrew Redfern, Vanessa Cassin & Gemma Beswick

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

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

WORKSHOP: Introduction to Writing Family History for Beginners (06 June 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Unlock the stories of your past in this inspiring one-day workshop designed to help you transform family history research into captivating narratives.

Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your writing, this hands-on session will give you the tools to bring your ancestors’ lives to life on the page.

Guided by published author, well-known family historian and creative writing teacher Dr Betty O’Neill, you’ll learn how to craft compelling stories from genealogical research, oral histories, and family legends. Discover techniques to create vivid scenes, develop memorable characters, and weave historical context seamlessly into your writing. Through guided exercises you’ll leave with newfound confidence and a roadmap to continue your family history project.

Held in a welcoming, collaborative environment, this workshop is perfect for those who want to preserve family legacies, connect with loved ones through storytelling, or explore the richness of their heritage. You’ll also meet like-minded individuals, share ideas, and gain inspiration from their journeys.

No prior writing experience is necessary — just bring your curiosity, any family research and materials you'd like to reference, and a passion for preserving the past. Let us help you turn your family history into a lasting treasure for generations to come.

Registrations close: Wednesday 20 May 2026

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

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (07 August 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

FACE TO FACE 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 announce we will once again be holding a face to face intensive version of our "Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History” course at our Library and Research Centre in Sydney as part of our schedule of National Family History Month events.

Over the course of two days 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
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

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

On The Day

Morning and Afternoon Tea will be provided
There will be a one hour break for lunch. Please bring your own lunch or, alternatively, there are also plenty of cafes close to the venue if you prefer to purchase something.

Menu - Espresso on Kent (Open Friday, closed Saturday)

Menu - Butter Salt Pepper (Open Friday, closed Saturday)

Menu - Nook Jr (Open Friday & Saturday)

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

WEBINAR: FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

This presentation was formerly known as 'Beginners' Introduction to DNA' and 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy'.

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?

Book 1-on-1 at 1.30pm

Book 1-on-1 at 2pm

Book 1-on-1 at 2.30pm

Your reservation code is located in your Event Confirmation email for FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results.

Skill level: Beginners

Presenter: Melissa Hulbert

One-on-One DNA Research Action Plan Session (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 03:30:00 GMT

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@ DNA Testing & Results' lecture on Saturday 12 September 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 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 FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results, click here

One-on-One DNA Research Action Plan Session (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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@ DNA Testing & Results lecture on Saturday 12 September 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 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 FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results, click here

One-on-One DNA Research Action Plan Session (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:30:00 GMT

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@ DNA Testing & Results lecture on Saturday 12 September 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 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 FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results, click here