Peter Brown delves into his family history and discovers stories of mutiny, adultery and murder. By Peter Brown
MOST of us are aware of the TV series “Who Do You Think You Are”, where Ancestry.com highlights the life and family history of selected celebrities. Since 1996 we’ve had our own not-for-profit family history centre in Wonthaggi Library.
Wonthaggi Genealogy Inc (WGI) is a group of volunteers who help curious people search their own family stories. We have a bank of up-to-date computers and subscribe to several family history research sites. We also have less known local resources, many of which are not available to the commercial groups.
Membership of less than $1 a week opens a veritable Pandora’s Box of discovery. Since I have been connected to WGI, I’ve unearthed much exciting gossip – stuff my relatives didn’t mention.
MOST of us are aware of the TV series “Who Do You Think You Are”, where Ancestry.com highlights the life and family history of selected celebrities. Since 1996 we’ve had our own not-for-profit family history centre in Wonthaggi Library.
Wonthaggi Genealogy Inc (WGI) is a group of volunteers who help curious people search their own family stories. We have a bank of up-to-date computers and subscribe to several family history research sites. We also have less known local resources, many of which are not available to the commercial groups.
Membership of less than $1 a week opens a veritable Pandora’s Box of discovery. Since I have been connected to WGI, I’ve unearthed much exciting gossip – stuff my relatives didn’t mention.
My infant sister died during experimental brain surgery. Why my grandmother had no wedding photos - her father was in jail. A publican relative drowned in the stables with his head in a water barrel. A sailor, whose ship left port without him, was in jail. He later persuaded many of his extended family to migrate to NZ. An RN Officer was court-marshalled for his need of tobacco. Two young girls of the same name died when their nighties caught fire.
Everyone loves a detective story. I’ve discovered many more stories of intrigue, including mutiny, adultery and murder and famous relatives, naughty and nice, rich and poor. The incredible range includes convicts and free settlers and those in search of gold and adventure.
Help from others of like interest, and their disparate stories of fact and fiction, all make an interesting hobby.
WGI is open Tuesday and Thursday (10am-1.30pm), the first Tuesday of the month (10am-4pm) and Saturday (10am-1pm) for research and at other times for coffee and chatter, movies, special interest sessions and workshops.
The more people we get on board, the more we can do. Why not come in and see if family history is a hobby for you? You’re welcome any time we’re open for a chat.
Everyone loves a detective story. I’ve discovered many more stories of intrigue, including mutiny, adultery and murder and famous relatives, naughty and nice, rich and poor. The incredible range includes convicts and free settlers and those in search of gold and adventure.
Help from others of like interest, and their disparate stories of fact and fiction, all make an interesting hobby.
WGI is open Tuesday and Thursday (10am-1.30pm), the first Tuesday of the month (10am-4pm) and Saturday (10am-1pm) for research and at other times for coffee and chatter, movies, special interest sessions and workshops.
The more people we get on board, the more we can do. Why not come in and see if family history is a hobby for you? You’re welcome any time we’re open for a chat.