Family History
Family picnic at Bobbin Head 1909
Genealogical resources
Family History Websites
We’ve gathered together a range of websites that will help you research your genealogy. The Australian Family History websites and the International Family History websites have been grouped together, while below are some very useful and popular genealogical websites which will get you started tracing your ancestors from around the world.
Ancestry.com (Library Edition) In library
Find my Past (Library Edition) In library
My Heritage (Library Edition) In library | At home
Family Search The largest collection of free family history records in the world.
Coraweb An excellent family history gateway site for tracing your family tree.
Cyndi's List A categorised and cross-referenced index to online genealogical resources.
Ancestor Search An interactive directory of the best free genealogy databases.
ObituariesHelp.org Download free printable family trees templates, as well as accessing general family history information.
Family History Resources
Hornsby Library’s Family History resources include:
- Genealogical books, magazines and newsletters
- Australian birth, death and marriage indexes
- Census and electoral roll information for Australia
- Sands residential and business directories
- Passenger and shipping records
- Colonial Secretary's record
- NSW probate index
Family History Talks
Hornsby Library hosts a range of very popular family history talks throughout the year.
Family History Group
The Hornsby Shire Family History Group meets at Hornsby Library on the third Wednesday of each month between 2pm - 4pm. Research Gatherings are held at Hornsby Library on the fourth Wednesday of each month between 10am - 12 noon. All welcome.
Meeting Dates for 2025 are:
All meetings are from 2pm - 4pm in Room 4
- No monthly meeting in January
- Wednesday, 19 February
- Wednesday, 19 March
- Wednesday, 16 April
- Wednesday, 21 May
- Wednesday, 18 June
- Wednesday, 16 July
- August - Geneagala Day - date to be advised
- Wednesday, 17 September
- Wednesday, 15 October
- Wednesday, 19 November
- Wednesday, 10 December (Christmas function)
Research/Discussion Meeting Dates for 2025 are:
All meetings are from 10am - 12 noon in Room 2
- Wednesday, 22 January
- Wednesday, 26 February
- Wednesday, 26 March
- Wednesday, 23 April
- Wednesday, 28 May
- Wednesday, 25 June
- Wednesday, 23 July
- Wednesday, 27 August
- Wednesday, 24 September
- Wednesday, 22 October
- Wednesday, 26 November
- No research group meeting in December
Family History Volunteers
A range of experienced volunteers are happy to help you research your family’s past. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Phone 9847 6813 or email library@hornsby.nsw.gov.au.
January 2025
- Thursday, 1 January - 10:30am
February 2025
- Wednesday, 5 February - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 11 February- 10:30am and 11:30am
- Thursday, 13 February - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 18 February - 10:30am and 11:30am
March 2025
- Wednesday, 5 March - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 11 March - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Thursday, 13 March - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday 18 March - 10:30am and 11:30am
April 2025
- Wednesday, 2 April - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 8 April - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Thursday 10 April - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 15 April - 10:30am and 11:30am
May 2025
- Wednesday, 7 May - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Thursday, 8 May - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 13 May - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 20 May - 10:30am and 11:30am
June 2025
- Wednesday, 4 June - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday,10 June - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Thursday, 12 June - 10:30am and 11:30am
- Tuesday, 17 June - 10:30am and 11:30am