Family History Feast 2009

Family History Feast was a day of free information sessions for family history researchers at the State Library. It included the annual Victorian Association of Family History Organisations (VAFHO) Don Grant Lecture. The event showcased how the major Victorian government agencies for genealogical research can assist those researching family history.

More than 150 eager genealogists (the largest group ever) attended the sessions in the Village Roadshow Theatrette. They came from as far a field as Yarrawonga and Wodonga. There were also a number of public librarians and a large group of staff from Public Record Office Victoria.

Patricia Grimshaw of the University of Melbourne delivered the Don Grant Lecture on the topic ‘Family history and women’s history : critical intersections’. It was an engaging presentation on the sometimes hidden contribution of women to family history.

The event is truly collaborative and presented by the following organisations/institutions:

• The State Library of Victoria

• The Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

• The Public Record Office Victoria

• The National Archives of Australia (Victorian Office)

• The Victorian Association of Family History Organisations.

Feedback on the day was excellent: “Fanatastic – has given me so many more options to continue my family research.” And this : “As always well conducted, informative & gives me food for thought”.

Family History Feast formed part of National Family History Week 2009. Watch the State Library of Victoria website for details of Family History Feast 2010 to be held on Monday 2 August (subject to confirmation).

Annabel