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EVENTS

We run an extensive program of lectures, workshops, tours and group meetings which are open to everyone. We also hold member-only webinars and members receive a discount on our events.

The program

A new program is released every three months. You can view the current events below and you can download a PDF of the August-December program here.

Browse in List view or change it to Calendar view to see what’s on in each month. 

ONLINE DELIVERY

Due to restrictions on events as part of the COVID19 response, all of our events are currently being delivered online using Gotowebinar, Gotomeeting or Zoom (depending on the nature of the event). We are planning on the assumption that restrictions on live events may well be in place for the rest of 2020 and we are committed to continuing to provide you with a great range of genealogy events.

When you register for an event, the confirmation email will contain information about how to join the event online. In many cases, this will require you to complete a further step of registering with Gotowebinar. If you have not used Gotowebinar before, you can find information about it on our website here.

With the exception of some DNA events where there may be privacy issues, all of our online sessions are recorded, so even if you cannot attend at the scheduled time you can still book and receive the recording.  

Most of our events are open to non-members as well as members. However, non-members will pay a bit more and season tickets remain available only to members. 

Registration types: The member category is used by members of the Society. Members must be logged in to make a booking. The complimentary category used by volunteers or new members if they receive an offer of a free event, and by presenters of the sessions. Everyone else should book using the non-member category.

Upcoming events

  • WEBINAR: What's in a name?

    • 13 Jul 2020
    • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place!
    • 78
    Registration is closed

    Spelling variations, nicknames, Anglicisation and abbreviations can provide significant challenges in finding the right family member. Michelle covers these challenges, as well as search techniques and the value of Scottish and Irish inheritance naming patterns, to help you more easily find evidence about your ancestors.

    This webinar is now open to non-members.

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Michelle Patient

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: Scottish research resources before 1800

    • 22 Jul 2020
    • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place!
    • 35
    Register

    In this talk Chris Paton, author of Tracing Your Scottish Ancestry Through Church and State Records, takes us to pre-19th century Scotland, when things begin to get a little more complicated with our ancestral research. From kirk to state, a variety of records are available, but it's one thing to find them, and quite another to understand them, with different handwriting styles, language problems and the feudal nature of Scottish society some of the many challenges that keeps earlier Scottish research fun but challenging. Chris will explore the various record types available, and how to access them both online and offline.

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Chris Paton

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: DNA Research Group - Beginners

    • 25 Jul 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 78
    Register

    Learn the basic DNA concepts and the first steps of interpreting your DNA test results. This session covers a few basics and then looks at third party tools such as Gedmatch, DNA Painter and DNAGedcom. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

    This is an online session.

    Skill level: Beginners     Presenter: Christine Woodlands    

    Note: Members need to be logged in to the site to make an event booking.

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: MyHeritage collections and tips

    • 28 Jul 2020
    • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place!
    • 66
    Register

    Now that SAG members have access to the SAG subscription to MyHeritage through the members’ area of the SAG website, join Rosemary Kopittke to find out about the records available and get her tips for searching.

    This webinar is now open to non-members.

    Skill level: All     Presenter:  Rosemary Kopittke

    Show details

  • WEBINAR: Grouping your AncestryDNA matches using the “Leeds Method”

    • 30 Jul 2020
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place!
    • 64
    Register

    Have you looked at your AncestryDNA matches and wondered how you’re related to all those people? Dana Leeds introduced her method of grouping matches into clusters in 2018. Since then, many of us have used the method with great success. This session will introduce you to using the features of AncestryDNA for grouping. If you’re planning to attend the session and haven’t used this feature, please contact Christine if you’re prepared for your AncestryDNA matches to be a case study for the session. There’ll be a handout to take away with all the useful links.

    This session will not be recorded for privacy reasons, so you must attend live.  

    Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate     Presenter:  Christine Woodlands

    Show details

  • SILVER WEBINAR SEASON TICKET: Aug-Sept 2020

    • 1 Aug 2020
    • (UTC+10:00)
    • 30 Sep 2020
    • (UTC+10:00)
    • Your place
    • 199
    Register

    By booking a Silver Webinar Season Ticket members will be able to view every one-hour webinar we hold between Aug-Sept 2020. You get six webinars for the price of five. As a bonus, we will also register you for the free Family History Month webinar on 4 August. Online bookings close 9 August.

    The webinars covered by the Silver Webinar Season Ticket are:

    • Introduction to DNA reconstruction (concepts & tools) – Kevin Borland, 11 August

    • Using the internet and PRONI for Northern Irish research – Chris Paton, 19 August*

    • Off the beaten track - The importance of Regional Archives – Wayne Doubleday, Charles Sturt University Regional Archives, 25 August

    • Bond, James Bond – Kerry Farmer, 7 September

    • Finding the Unknowable – Janette Silverman, AncestryProGenealogists, 24 September

    • A triangle of care – Heather Garnsey, 30 September

    You can watch our webinars live or watch the recording later. You book and pay once. We'll set you up in each webinar and send you the confirmation link. 

    Bookings after 9 August will be accepted by telephone only.

    * If you have already booked for this webinar, contact us for a credit towards another event.

    Show details

  • GOLD WEBINAR SEASON TICKET: Aug-Oct 2020

    • 1 Aug 2020
    • (UTC+10:00)
    • 31 Oct 2020
    • (UTC+11:00)
    • Your place
    • 192
    Register

    By booking a Gold Webinar Season Ticket members will be able to view all the webinars covered by the Silver ticket, plus three more. You get nine webinars for the price of eight, saving $20. As a bonus, we will also register you for the free Family History Month webinar on 4 August. Online bookings close 9 August. 

    The webinars covered by the Gold Webinar Season Ticket are:

    • Introduction to DNA reconstruction (concepts & tools) – Kevin Borland, 11 August

    • Using the internet and PRONI for Northern Irish research – Chris Paton, 19 August*

    • Off the beaten track - The importance of Regional Archives – Wayne Doubleday, Charles Sturt University Regional Archives, 25 August

    • What was the parish really like? – Heather Garnsey

    • Bond, James Bond – Kerry Farmer, 7 September

    • Finding the Unknowable – Janette Silverman, AncestryProGenealogists, 24 September

    • A triangle of care – Heather Garnsey, 30 September

    • Practical application of copyright in family history – Lorraine Brothers & Danielle Lautrec, 15 October
    • Where to look when your Australian or UK ancestors ‘disappear’ – Deb Carter, AncestryProGenealogists, 20 October

      You can watch our webinars live or watch the recording later. You book and pay once. We'll set you up in each webinar and send you the confirmation link. 

      Bookings after 9 August will be accepted by telephone only.

      * If you have already booked for this webinar, contact us for a credit towards another event.

      Show details

    • FAMILY TREE MAKER GROUP TICKET: Aug-Nov 2020

      • 1 Aug 2020
      • (UTC+10:00)
      • 30 Nov 2020
      • (UTC+11:00)
      • Your place
      • 93
      Register

      Members can book a Family Tree Maker Group Ticket and receive four meetings at a discounted price of $40, saving $8. The meeting dates covered by this ticket are the morning and afternoon sessions on August 8 and November 14. 

      You can attend the meetings live or watch the recordings later. You book and pay once. We'll set you up in each session and send you the joining links. Bookings close 6 August.

      Show details

    • WRITING DISCUSSION GROUP TICKET: Aug-Dec 2020

      • 1 Aug 2020
      • (UTC+10:00)
      • 10 Dec 2020
      • (UTC+11:00)
      • Your place
      • 40
      Register

      Members can book a Writing Discussion Group Ticket and receive five meetings at a discounted price of $50, saving $10. The meeting dates covered by this ticket are: 13 August, 17 September, 8 October, 12 November and 10 December. 

      You can attend the meetings live or watch the recordings later. You book and pay once. We'll set you up in each session and send you the joining links. Bookings close 11 August.

      Show details

    • Family Tree Maker Beginners Course

      • 1 Aug 2020
      • (UTC+10:00)
      • 29 Aug 2020
      • (UTC+10:00)
      • 3 sessions
      • Your place
      • 7
      Register

      The Family Tree Maker Beginners Course is a three part online course. Part 1 Getting Started on 1 August, Part 2 Key Features on 15 August and Part 3 Publishing and Syncing on 29 August. All sessions will be recorded, so you can attend live or watch the recordings at your convenience.

      Part 1 - In this session you will gain an understanding of the software’s basic structure. You will learn how to navigate the unique toolbars, menus, and windows as well as set date and label preferences to view your information. You will enter information and learn how to add a basic source template.

      Part 2 - In this session you will gain an understanding of the software’s use of Sources, Places and Media functions and menus. You will learn how to how to add sources with different file types and using Places options as well as recording places correctly, finding places that no longer exist and a broad understanding of maps and geographical names. You will enter information and learn how to add a media to source template and use that source for multiple fact types.

      Part 3 - In this session you will gain an understanding of the software’s use of Publishing and Websearch functions. You will learn how to how create Charts, Report and Books including how to use filters, the privacy and ethics of sharing. You will also learn how to Backup and compact your Family Tree Maker files.  You will learn how to Sync your Family Tree Maker software with the Ancestry platform.

      The course is aimed at those wanting to start using family tree software. It is not suitable for people who regularly attend the FTM User Group.

      Skill level: Beginners     Presenters: Lyn Hudson-Williamson and Cheyne Wright


      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Geneablogging for You

      • 4 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 80
      Register

      Blogging provides an easy and efficient way for genealogists to share their stories online. This session will demonstrate the benefits of blogging and provide guidance to get you started while highlighting a tour of blogs from Australian and International bloggers.

      This is a free webinar as part of Family History Month.

      Skill level: All     Presenter:  Jill Ball

      Show details

    • Ancestry tips

      • 5 Aug 2020
      • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 87
      Register

      Join Michelle Patient each month for Ancestry Tips - an hour focussing on using the Ancestry website, with plenty of time for your questions. 


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

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Using Excel for family history

      • 6 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 496
      Register

      Excel is a great tool for organising, analysing and presenting vast quantities of information, which makes it great for family history. Some prior knowledge of Excel is assumed, as the session will not cover computer basics.

      Skill level: All     Presenter: Danielle Lautrec

      Show details

    • GROUP: Family Tree Maker AM session

      • 8 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 399
      Register

      Join other users of this popular family history software program for insights, ideas and opportunities to share tips and ask questions.

      Members can book for all FTM meetings between Aug-Nov using the Family Tree Maker Group Ticket and receive a discount.

      Skill level: All, beginners welcome     Convenor: Larry Czarnik

      Show details

    • GROUP: Family Tree Maker PM session

      • 8 Aug 2020
      • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 400
      Register

      Join other users of this popular family history software program for insights, ideas and opportunities to share tips and ask questions.

      Members can book for all FTM meetings between Aug-Nov using the Family Tree Maker Group Ticket and receive a discount.

      Skill level: All, beginners welcome     Convenor: Larry Czarnik

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Introduction to DNA reconstruction (concepts & tools)

      • 11 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 96
      Register

      Kevin Borland is the founder and president of Borland Genetics. This session focuses on introducing the 4-step reconstruction process of phase/map/extract/merge and the tools that are used to achieve each stage of the process to mathematically reconstruct your ancestor's DNA using kits of living relatives.  See: https://borlandgenetics.com/  https://isogg.org/wiki/Borland_Genetics

      Skill level: All     Presenter:  Kevin Borland

      Show details

    • GROUP: Writing Discussion Group - Writing for Descent

      • 13 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 400
      Register

      Board member and former convenor of the Croker Prize for Genealogy, Janette Pelosi will cover the editorial instructions which appear in each issue of Descent and discuss her experience as both a writer of content for Descent and as a proof-reader over many years. 


      Members can book for all WDG meetings between Aug-Dec using the Writing Discussion Group Ticket and receive a discount.

      Skill level: All     Convenor: Lilian Magill

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: DNA tested and wondering what to do with it?

      • 15 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 89
      Register

      If you have taken a DNA test (or thinking about it) how might that help you start your family history? As part of Family History Month, the Society of Australian Genealogists’ Board Director Kerry Farmer will lead you through an introduction to DNA integrated research methods. Kerry will also demonstrate how SAG events and groups can provide ongoing support from our community of family historians. This session will allow substantial time for questions and discussion, with insights from those that have utilised test results in their continuing research.

      This free event is targeted at new and potential members of the Society with all welcome.


      Skill level: All     Presenter:  Kerry Farmer

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Using the internet and PRONI for Northern Irish research

      • 19 Aug 2020
      • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 69
      Register

      In this session, Chris Paton, author of Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet (Second Edition), will explore how to access records for family history research available from his native Northern Ireland, whether they exist online, or at PRONI, Northern Ireland's dedciated national archive in Belfast. He'll explore the many resources available online, from vital records to land based research, what can be prepared for prior to a visit to the PRONI archive, and how to carry out research whilst there.

      Skill level: All     Presenter:  Chris Paton

      Show details

    • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Intermediate, Tools in Practice

      • 22 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 91
      Register

      Are you looking to break down a brick wall in your tree through DNA and don’t seem to be able to find a breakthrough? Our panel from the Advanced DNA group will examine 2-3 member case studies in the workshop and demonstrate tools that can be used to help. There will be time for questions about other challenges faced by participants and advice regarding possible strategies you can implement for your brick wall.

      This session will NOT be recorded, so you must attend live.

      Skill level: Intermediate     Convenor: Veronica Williams

       

      Show details

    • GROUP: DNA Research Group - Advanced

      • 22 Aug 2020
      • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 97
      Register

      The genealogical proof standard suggests five key points that need to be met when drawing conclusions about your research. When using genetic evidence how do you ensure you have met the standard? Does your analysis stand up to scrutiny? How do we validate our DNA conclusions? At what point can we consider our ‘hypotheses’ proof? Is it possible to draw any conclusions without detailed segment data? How do you ‘test’ your theories before indicating a MRCA is ‘DNA confirmed’.

      This session is a facilitated discussion on the issues and implications. It requires pre-work by participants that will be distributed before the meeting. Participants are encouraged to present a conclusion for critique at the meeting.

      This session will NOT be recorded, so you must attend live.

      Skill level: Advanced     Presenter: Michelle Patient

       

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Off the beaten track - The importance of Regional Archives

      • 25 Aug 2020
      • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 96
      Register


      This presentation will focus on the value of smaller archival collections located in regional NSW, discussing the NSW Regional Archives Centres and the rationale behind keeping local historical material in regional repositories. Utilising the Charles Sturt University Regional Archives as a case study, this webinar will illustrate the types of archives and records housed in the regions, how they can be accessed, and how they can be of vital importance to researchers.

      Skill level: All     Presenter:  Wayne Doubleday

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: What was the parish really like?

      • 27 Aug 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 96
      Register

      This session will introduce some of the online tools we can use to find out more about the places our ancestors lived. Who else lived there? What did it look like? What did the locals do? Examples will come from rural English parishes, but many of the sources will be equally as useful for finding out about those who lived in larger towns as well. 

      Skill level: All     Presenter: Heather Garnsey

      Show details

    • Ancestry tips

      • 2 Sep 2020
      • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 96
      Register

      Join Michelle Patient each month for Ancestry Tips - an hour focussing on using the Ancestry website, with plenty of time for your questions. 


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

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Spring clean your family history

      • 3 Sep 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 499
      Register

      Been on a break and need to get back on track with your research? Or are you feeling overwhelmed with the state your notes are in? Hear Danielle’s top tips for cleaning up your research notes and establishing some simple good-work habits for family history.

      Skill level: All     Presenter: Danielle Lautrec

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Bond, James Bond

      • 7 Sep 2020
      • 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 100
      Register

      Giving a common word to a search engine brings its own problems (“no I do not mean marriage bonds”). In this presentation Kerry Farmer demonstrates how researching in Australian and English records found fascinating parallels with the literary character.

      Skill level: All     Presenter:  Kerry Farmer

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: The FamilySearch family tree: How to use it and why you should

      • 10 Sep 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 498
      Register

      In this talk Paul Parton, Outreach Presenter for FamilySearch, will explore the value of the collaborative single tree concept. Users with a free account can contribute to the tree or simply explore the tree looking for ancestors. Three conceptual pillars of the tree will be examined to address concerns some may have about the collaborative tree concept. The layout of the tree and how to navigate it will also be demonstrated.

      Skill level: All     Presenter: Paul Parton

      Show details

    • GROUP: Writing Discussion Group - Ten Doors Down

      • 17 Sep 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 400
      Register

      Robert Tickner will be talking about his book, Ten Doors Down: the story of an extraordinary adoption reunion. It is the story of a federal minister's remarkable reunion with his birth parents. You will get the most out of the session if you have read the book before the meeting. 


      Members can book for all WDG meetings between Aug-Dec using the Writing Discussion Group Ticket and receive a discount.

      Skill level: All     Presenter: Robert Tickner

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: GEDmatch course - Part 1

      • 18 Sep 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 100
      Register

      Session 1 shows how to download DNA from the testing companies and upload it to GEDmatch and then explains the Legend, Resources, Information and Forum areas. All the variations of the One-to-many and One-to-one utilities are demonstrated, as well as the very useful tool “People who match both, or 1 of 2 kits”.

      GEDmatch is a three part course. Book using this event listing if you just want to attend this session. If you want to book for all three of the sessions with the course discount of $60 members, $90 non-members, please book using the event called WEBINAR: GEDmatch - Full course. 

      Skill level: All     Presenter:  Sue Dobson

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: GEDmatch - FULL COURSE

      • 18 Sep 2020
      • 10:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
      • 16 Oct 2020
      • 12:30 PM (UTC+11:00)
      • Your place
      • 197
      Register

      The GEDmatch course is a three part online course being held on Fridays 18 September, 2 October and 16 October, from 10.30am-12 noon. Full details of each session can be found in the individual listings for those sessions.

      Book using this listing if you wish to attend all three sessions at the discounted price.

      Skill level: All     Presenters:  Sue Dobson & Kerry Farmer

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Introduction to Findmypast

      • 19 Sep 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place
      • 498
      Register

      Find out about the range of records available on the Findmypast website and get tips for effective search strategies. 

      Skill level: All, good for beginners    Presenter: Michelle Patient

      Show details

    • WEBINAR: Finding the unknowable

      • 24 Sep 2020
      • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (UTC+10:00)
      • Your place!
      • 98
      Register