Library looking to the past for Family History Month

Wendy McArthur is a keen genealogist and knows her way around a family tree.

The Information Management Advisor at Invercargill City Council has a wealth of tips and tricks for uncovering interesting details from historical records, and she’s well-versed in the common mistakes to avoid when researching family history.

McArthur will be sharing some of her knowledge at a workshop called ‘Tips, Traps & Myths’ on Monday, one of several genealogy-themed events being held at Invercargill City Libraries and Archives as part of Family History Month this August.

McArthur said the events would help people learn more about their whānau and local history.

“There is endless information available through the library and in our archives. We want to give people the tools to access information that is relevant to their own family history.”

Other events in the line-up would include a talk with a graphic designer, where participants could learn techniques to create family history books, and a session on how to use free online databases to find genealogical information.

Those more interested in physical relics would be able book time with a conservator for advice on the best way to care for precious belongings and photos.

Invercargill City Libraries New Zealand Curriculum Programmer Katie Greene said people could bring along objects and photos that they wanted to preserve.

“Our Archives team will be on hand to assess items for digital donation. It’s an opportunity to create a record of important personal objects.”

For younger history buffs, there would be an animation competition, open to children and teenagers aged between 9 and 18 years old. Participants would be tasked with creating a short animation using an audio clip from the Southland Oral History Project.

Greene said she was looking forward to seeing the entries, based on some of the colourful audio excerpts.

“There’s a recording that talks about 10 people crowded onto a horse and cart to get to school, while another is titled ‘Locked in the hen house as a youngster and poisoned’.

“These stories are bound to inspire some imaginative animations,” she said.

Family History Month is observed annually in August across New Zealand and Australia.

Greene said there would be events every week at the library over the course of the month, showcasing the resources available for family history research.

“There’s something for everyone interested in genealogy, whether you’re a seasoned researcher or you’re just getting started on your family tree.”

Family History Month events at Invercargill City Libraries and Archives:

- Tips, Traps & Myths with Wendy McArthur – Monday 4 August, 12pm - 1pm

- Book a Conservator with Invercargill City Archives – Wednesday 13 August, 10am - 12pm

- Step Into the Past with Catherine Wilson – Thursday 21 August, 12pm - 1pm

- Pages of Generations with Ellie van Empel – Monday 25 August, 12pm - 1pm

- Animated Histories: Oral History Animation Competition – Submissions close 31 August

- Animation Drop In – Every Wednesday in August, 3pm - 5pm

Further information about these Family History Month events is available on the Invercargill City Libraries and Archives website.