To celebrate National History Month this August, Central Coast Council’s Library Service is inviting the community to delve into the world of family history.

Central Coast Council Unit Manager Libraries and Education, Beth Burgess said that there are events tailored for all levels of interest, designed to help uncover hidden family treasures.

"Exploring family history is detective work – it demands dedication, patience, and often leads to surprising discoveries," Ms Burgess explained

"Our events will equip you to become a regular Sherlock Holmes in family history research, guiding you through various records and collections.

“This year, we are particularly excited that Museums of History NSW (MHNSW) will be travelling to the Central Coast to share stories about some of the 4,100 young Irish women who came to Australia between 1848 and 1850, as part of Earl Grey’s Famine Orphan Scheme. This is a rare opportunity to view the original register from the State Archives Collection.

“Our History Week events are highly popular and tend to book out quickly, so don’t hesitate – reserve your spot online today."

For event details and bookings, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events.

"Family history is one of the most beloved hobbies worldwide, with over 250,000 Australians part of family history organisations," Ms Burgess added. 

"To support this lifelong learning, we offer a wide range of resources at Gosford and Tuggerah Libraries, our local history hubs. These resources include NSW State Archives Kits, index books, microfilms, electoral rolls, immigration documents, magazines, and more.

"Additionally, these locations provide free online access to Ancestry.com, Central Coast Memories and Gostalgia and all our branches offer access to ‘Find My Past.’ These platforms are extremely popular, so I encourage community members to book ahead."

Throughout August Council’s Library Service will be hosting the following events:

• History Hounds - Wed 7 August, 10.30am - Online
• Write it Down!  Making your family history research worthwhile for future generations - Wed 14 August, 10.30am - Tuggerah Library
• Museums of History talk - Collections on Tour 'Wages Paid to the Irish Orphans, 1849–51' Wed 21 August, 10.30am - Tuggerah Library
• Family History Forum: Family history freebies - Thurs 29 August, 10.30am

ENDS

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