Media release
1 August 2012

Branch out and discover your family tree

Family History comes alive at Auckland Libraries this month with events held across the region to help you discover more about your family than you ever imagined.

You can explore your own family history and put your researching skills to the test while listening to experts, learning new skills or taking part in one of the many local events.

Seonaid Lewis, Family History Reference Librarian at Auckland Libraries, says looking into your family history is something many people think about but don’t know where to start.

“Family History Month is a great opportunity for Aucklanders to find out about their own roots and make use of Auckland Libraries wealth of information and experts on family history research,” says Mrs Lewis.

Some of the highlight events during the family history month include:

• Brad Argent from www.ancestry.com runs an expert session on Sunday 5 August

• The Speakers Series: Auckland Libraries' experts will be hosting talks and workshops around Auckland

• Join the Karen Kalopulu Family History Lock-In: 8pm Friday 31 August to 8am Saturday 1 September.

“We have passionate and specialist staff attending regular events to help you discover your family’s past and give you the tools to make exciting, and sometimes surprising, discoveries that your family can treasure for generations to come,” says Mrs Lewis.

As well as subscription databases available at all 55 Auckland libraries, the Research Centre at the Central City Library holds one of the most comprehensive Family History collections in a public library in the Southern Hemisphere and is staffed by a team of knowledgeable librarians and expert historians.

So branch out and explore the history of how your family came to be where it is today during Family History Month.
For further information visit:

http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/Events/Pages/FamilyHistoryMonth.aspx

Ends

Editors’ notes:
Getting more from Ancestry with Brad Argent – 12 noon, 5 August
Brad Argent, Content Director Australasia for the well-known website Ancestry.com, will share his tips and tricks to get the most out of using the website.

Find out about Ancestry’s Advanced Search, the much under used Card Catalogue and Database Descriptions. Brad will also have time to answer your questions, so come prepared.

You may have seen him on TV, now see him in person for free!

Speakers’ Series – topics
Over 50 talks and workshops held at 25 libraries
Four expert speakers – Auckland Libraries staff

Beginning Family History
Treasures of the Central Auckland Research Centre
Auckland Libraries' Family History eResources
FindMyPast, Find YOUR Past UK (or FindMyPastIE or FindMyPastAU)
Research your Ancestors with Ancestry
Research your Scottish family history
Wills and Probates
Using heritage newspapers to enrich your research
Most common brick walls: Passenger Lists & Immigration
Anchored in a Townland: Researching an Irish Family from New Zealand
Researching Prisoners of War in the Second World War
Oral History for Family Historians

Karen Kalopulu Family History Lock-In - 31 August
Discover something new between the hours of 8pm and 8am at the Central Auckland Research Centre. Research your Family History or Whakapapa overnight with help from specialist librarians and NZSG family history volunteers Buy tickets now ($50 for library or NZSG members and $60 for non-members) - it’s always a sell out event so don’t miss out.

ENDS

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