Ancestry® Library Edition is one of the largest online family history resources and is only available by subscription to libraries. It has an unprecedented online collection of material from the UK, Europe, Australia, and more. Collections include records such as census data, parish records, directories, photos, immigration records, family histories, military records, court and legal documents, maps and much more. Australian convict records, shipping and Australian Electoral Rolls are featured.

How to access: In-Library – at both libraries, using the Library’s PCs or your own device and the Library’s wifi.

The Library has a large collection of CD-ROMs which provide information on:

• Births, deaths and marriages (Australia)
• Shipping records
• Convict records
• Postal directories
• Police Gazettes
• Government Gazettes
• Parish registers
• Cemetery records

How to access: In-Library, Local Studies PC, search the catalogue for holdings

The Local Studies Collection holds many cemetery inscriptions and church registers.  Most of the records relate to the Hawkesbury and surrounding areas.

Some cemetery records and church registers can be accessed on the Hawkesbury on the Net website.  Other material is available in print or on microfilm.

Various early musters and census records are included in the Local Studies Collection. These include the 1828 and 1901 NSW Census and the early 19^th century musters.

How to access: Online 24/7 and in-Library, search the catalogue for holdings

A number of postal directories are available in the Local Studies Collection. These were similar to telephone directories but recorded postal addresses. Subscribers paid for entries so they do not provide complete coverage.

• Sands Directory
  The Sands Directory was published between 1859 and 1932/33 and lists the occupants of buildings both in alphabetical order and by local government area.  Hawkesbury Central Library, Windsor has a complete set of the Sands Directory available electronically.
• Telephone Directories
  A selection of telephone directories are held, including NSW 1889-1915 microfiche, 1913-1953 CD-ROM. Hawkesbury telephone directories are held in hard copy from the 1970s.
• Electoral Rolls
  A range of electoral rolls are available including records for NSW and the Hawkesbury district from the 1840s. Some records are available via Internet History Resources on the Local Studies PC. A selection of 20^th century Commonwealth rolls are accessible on Ancestry.

How to access: In-Library, Local Studies PC and search the catalogue for holdings

Findmypast is a genealogy service which provides access to records from Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland and the USA. Records include armed forces, church & religion, life events - births, deaths & marriages, census and land surveys, education and work, institutions and organisations, newspapers, directories and social history, travel and migration, and family trees.

How to access: In-Library – at both libraries, using the Library’s PCs or your own device and the Library’s wifi.

The Local Studies Collection holds historical, geographical, topographical and parish maps of the district which provide information about local history, family history and geographical information about the landscape. These are housed in map cabinets in the Local Studies section.

How to access: In-Library, search the catalogue for holdings

This collection includes births, deaths & marriage records, church registers, shipping records, will indexes, electoral rolls, convict data, publican licences and land grants.

The Local Studies Collection also holds:

• Genealogical Research Kit from State Archives
• Arndell Index to Hawkesbury Pioneers
• Mutch Index

How to access: In-Library, search the catalogue for holdings

The Local Studies Collection holds a range of family history newsletters and journals.

How to access: In-Library, search the catalogue for holdings

Click here to find out about the newspaper collection on the Local history resources page.

The pamphlet file includes a large number of unpublished family histories and research as well as information about buildings and places.

How to access: In-Library, access with staff assistance, search the catalogue for holdings

Visit our Catalogue to search or browse holdings.

Click here to find out about Special collections.

Have a look what you have at home. Do you have access to any letters, certificates or photographs? Talk to older members of your family.

Start with yourself and work backwards to your parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Charts are useful to record this information.  Print out free charts. A chart will also help you visualise the gaps in your family history.

Verify the information with births, deaths and marriage certificates. Access NSW indexes online or other states indexes, church records, family papers and other sources. Always note the source of your information.

There are many resources that you can search for further information, including wills, newspapers, census, electoral rolls, shipping and directories. There are also a number of self-help books in the Local Studies collection at RL929 & RL929.4 as well as in the lending non-fiction collection between 929 and 929.4

Check the catalogue for holdings, as well as our research guides/fact sheets.

The Library offers a large collection of books, DVDs and magazines, which you can borrow, to help you in learning about undertaking family history research.  To view holdings check the library catalogue

Expand your knowledge by attending seminars and family history group meetings. The Library regularly runs classes relating to family history. Visit the What’s on page to see what is planned.

Find out about the Hawkesbury Family History Group which meets regularly at the Library, and has guest speakers on a range of research topics.

A number of Local Studies Fact sheets have been designed to assist you.

A personal visit to the Library is recommended as the best way to continue your research.   Library staff can assist by directing you to the various local studies resources, at any time during Library opening hours.

If you are making a special visit to use the collection, it is highly recommended that you contact the Local History Librarian history@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au prior to your visit to discuss your research needs.

For researchers unable to visit, we have a research service which is undertaken on a fee basis on material that is unique to our collection, for people living long distances from the Library.  Contact the Local History Librarian history@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au for more information.

These sites might be useful for additional information:

• State Records NSW
• National Archives of Australia
• State Library of NSW
• National Library of Australia
• TROVE (Historic Australian Newspapers 1803-1954)
• Hawkesbury People & Places
  This site records and locates places, built objects, geographical features, organisations and people associated with the history of the Hawkesbury region and is updated on a regular basis.
• Hawkesbury Historical Society
• Kurrajong‐Comleroy Historical Society
• Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society
• Convict Trail Project
  This site provides historical information about the Great North Road and the people connected to it.
• Hawkesbury on the Net
  This site records information on local cemeteries, church registers, memorials and is updated on a regular basis.
• Cemetery Register
  This site is an ongoing project to transcribe, photograph and map local cemeteries.
• Church Register
  This site provides transcriptions of local church registers.
• Hawkesbury Lists
  This site lists various names including 1901 Census, Hawkesbury landholders etc.
• Memorials, Monuments & Plaques
  This site provides transcription and images.
• Ryerson Index
  Contemporary index to deaths from Australian newspapers. Also includes historical coverage.
• Rootsweb Hawkesbury Hills Hunter Valley mailing list
  Archives can be searched or join the mailing list for anyone with a genealogical interest in the Hills District, Hawkesbury and Hunter Valley regions of New South Wales, Australia
• Society of Australian Genealogists
• Australian Dictionary of Biography
  Concise and informative biographies of significant people in Australian history.
• Rootsweb - for Australian lists
• Familysearch
  Microfilm from the Family History Library catalogue can be ordered and paid for online and then viewed at Hawkesbury Library. Order items online
• Hawkesbury Family History Group Facebook page