With three sessions this month, discoveries through ancestry and Trove and additions and edits to family trees abounded. Julie brought along a tiny leather covered notebook in which her grandmother, then later her mother, kept notes and newspaper cuttings related to family events, enabling her to find out more about a great aunt, while Helen brought along her father’s weathered leather wallet which contained old pay slips and other documentation.
The writing and sharing of stories began in earnest this month, with Val revisiting her story about ‘Irish Jack’ Hernan, incorporating humorous asides which made it very engaging to listen to. Julie's story contained whimsical elements, such as the place of songs in the handing down of family culture over time, which we could all relate to. Helen drew on recent research in a story which made a complex, overwhelming family structure clear and easy to follow. Robyn’s idea for her 'Hero or Villains' story, led to an on-line Trove search and discussion of an article about a court case involving a tragic murder which also revealed detailed, previously unknown, information about her forebears’ early life in Australia.
Guest speaker Elizabeth Kearns’ session on working with free Irish Records was inspirational. Elizabeth had requested 'cues' from class members beforehand and threw light and possible directions to follow up for Julie, Val and Bev and Dawn. Elizabeth's presentation, supported by explanatory notes relating to her forebear, John Dolan, provided a wealth of ideas to support us in working with Irish records. Elizabeth’s talk also inspired Robyn to look into the Irish DeLargy line in her largely Scottish family tree. Thank you so much, Elizabeth.
Also this month, we welcomed Asha, who came along as a 'taster'; discussed Bev’s case studies and Jane Rushworth’s slide presentation on ethical issues in family research, and reviewed the Family Research – Beginners course description, agreeing that having two sessions at the beginning of the month works well, with the second session as a hands-on session.
Our final session for 2022 was celebrated with shortbreads, Christmas cake, other Christmassy fare and a presentation by guest speaker Maggie Hollins. Maggie shared the engaging story of her ancestor Betsy Trim, who came to Australia as a 16-year old via a bounty scheme in the early 1830’s, when men outnumbered women in the colony. Maggie brought along two collage-based art works she has created to recognise Betsy’s life. Thank you for a delightful presentation, Maggie.
Beverley Lee
Guest speaker Elizabeth Kearns’ session on working with free Irish Records was inspirational. Elizabeth had requested 'cues' from class members beforehand and threw light and possible directions to follow up for Julie, Val and Bev and Dawn. Elizabeth's presentation, supported by explanatory notes relating to her forebear, John Dolan, provided a wealth of ideas to support us in working with Irish records. Elizabeth’s talk also inspired Robyn to look into the Irish DeLargy line in her largely Scottish family tree. Thank you so much, Elizabeth.
Also this month, we welcomed Asha, who came along as a 'taster'; discussed Bev’s case studies and Jane Rushworth’s slide presentation on ethical issues in family research, and reviewed the Family Research – Beginners course description, agreeing that having two sessions at the beginning of the month works well, with the second session as a hands-on session.
Our final session for 2022 was celebrated with shortbreads, Christmas cake, other Christmassy fare and a presentation by guest speaker Maggie Hollins. Maggie shared the engaging story of her ancestor Betsy Trim, who came to Australia as a 16-year old via a bounty scheme in the early 1830’s, when men outnumbered women in the colony. Maggie brought along two collage-based art works she has created to recognise Betsy’s life. Thank you for a delightful presentation, Maggie.
Beverley Lee