Family History Connections (AIGS)

Great for family history research here and overseas records.

Love Genealogy. Such a wonderful place to research and study and help and advice always available.

The Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies (AIGS) was founded in 1973 by Don Grant and Peter Foard, who became the first President and Vice-President. The AIGS grew over the years, moving several times as the membership and resources increased. There is an extensive Library at Blackburn, where volunteer Library Assistants are available to assist members and visitors with their family research.In 2018, a new registered business name was launched - Family History Connections - to better reflect the work of the organsiation. The original logo has been retained and the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies name is still used for legal and financial purposes.The Bendigo Family History Group holds monthly meetings with invited speakers, and has an extensive resource collection which is housed in the Bendigo Library. They also have voluntary Library Assistants to assist members and visitors with their family history, particularly in the Bendigo area.A range of Interest Groups hold monthly meetings to share information, help members with their research and to host guest speakers. Read moreThe award-winning magazine, The Genealogist, available to all members in either hard copy or as an e-journal, is published quarterly.Two family history book awards are presented annually - the Alexander Henderson Award and the Don Grant Award.The purposes for which the Institute is established are:To promote and encourage the study of genealogy, heraldry, family history and allied subjects throughout Australia and to educate members and others in genealogical research.To promote the provision of easier access by the public to public records and record repositories throughout Australia.To acquire and maintain a reference and research library covering all aspects of genealogy, heraldry, family history and allied subjects for the use of members and others and to collect and preserve archives devoted to the history of Australian families and related material.To make records and indexes of monumental inscriptions, parish registers and other genealogical sources.To conduct regular meetings and lectures covering the various aspects of genealogical and heraldic studies.

There is lot of willing help here from the friendlyvolunteers but on the 'local' intranet system computers eg CDs it stalled, or you get a msg. about an overload. 'Changing to another computer' did not work, has happened before and there weren't that many using the system. Needs an upgrade?

This is a busy library with access for non-members and lots of people to answer questions about family history and how best to start or even keep going on your research. On my last visit, several people were able to suggest avenues for me to check, and I leaned a lot from them. There are so many resources that I hadn't thought of using, and so many are right here. I like being able to make a coffee, and take my lunch too.

Friendly volunteers to help you find family history. Large collection of records not found online