Researching your family history
Family history can reveal surprising, and sometimes moving stories that strengthen an individual's understanding of who they are. Explore your family history using the Library’s diverse and extensive collections including research guides and other resources.
The Library has a family history area in the Marie Bashir Reading Room, where you’ll find records and resources including:
- electoral rolls
- telephone books
- newspapers
- how-to handbooks.
Librarians can help you get started with your research and guide you through the collections.
If you're not in the Library, NSW residents with a Library card can use some eresources online.
Family history events
The Library regularly holds events to help with family history research. You can look for them in What's On.
Research guides and resources
- Research guide
NSW First Nations Family History Research Guide
Use this guide to find key family history resources for Aboriginal Australians.
- Research guide
Births, Deaths and Marriages research guide
Use this guide to research, discover and learn about significant events of your ancestor’s life.
Convicts: bound for Australia
This guide takes you to key resources that document the early life of convicts.
Convicts: life in the colony
Use this guide to research your convict's life after they arrived in the colony.
Shipping and passenger records
