ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islanders will be able to trace their ancestors at a free family history research workshop on the NSW Central Coast.
The workshop, the first ever Indigenous ancestry workshop of its kind for the region, is part of Central Coast Council's family history sessions taking place this May.
Staff from the Indigenous Services branch of the NSW State Library will lead the two-hour session and will explain why research needs to start in the present and work backwards.
They will cover resources and techniques needed to search library collections and other significant resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history.
Language materials, pictures, manuscripts, missionary records and electoral rolls will be discussed at the free workshop, which will take place on May 3, 10.30-12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.
The workshops will take place at Tuggerah and Bateau Bay Libraries.
Central Coast Council's group leader connected communities Julie Vaughan said researching family history helps us to gain a sense of who we are and where we have come from.
"Tracing ancestors and finding out about extended family enables us to build a strong sense of place and identity in the community," Ms Vaughan said.
On May 17, Martyn Killion from NSW State Archives and Records will run a workshop on The Colonial Secretary's Records, 10.30-12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.
The Colonial Secretary's records form part of the Archives Resources Kit, which contains more than 1565 items, including microfilms and immigration records.
Tuggerah Library is one of a select pool of libraries across the state that holds part of the kit and Gosford Library is one of only 40 libraries in NSW to hold a full kit.
On May 4 Bateau Bay Library will hold a workshop for those who are new to family history research, 10.30am-12pm.
Bookings essential for all workshops, phone Tuggerah Library on 4350 1560 or Bateau Bay Library on (02) 4350 1580.
