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As NSW BDM Transcription agents, we get a lot of requests for assistance with many aspects of family history research that are beyond the scope of the service we provide transcribing NSW Birth, Death and Marriage certificates. Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources to take on research commissions, as our time is fully committed doing transcription work. Whilst we try to be helpful, we do need to focus on our main functions – transcribing and obtaining the documents you identify in your research.
So, the question remains: where can you go to get help with Family History research?
Your local Family History Society is a great place to get assistance with your Family History. Members are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience to assist in furthering your research. Many societies have their own libraries or use a section of the local council library as a base for helping researchers. Contact your local library to see if there are regular days when volunteers are available to help you with your research. They also run seminars and classes to teach you about the many and varied avenues available to help you on your research journey.
Contacting the Family History Society in the area where your ancestor lived is also a great source of help. Local knowledge can count for a lot.
Many websites list Family History Societies in NSW and elsewhere. The NSW and ACT Association of Family History Societies and Cora Num’s website are good places to start.
For Aboriginal Family History try http://www.linkupnsw.org.au/ , the Family History Unit of NSW Aboriginal Affairs, or AIATSIS
Those who have Chinese ancestors who came to Australia should contact Kate Bagnall who is a historian and academic with many published articles on the subject.
If you have a FamilySearch Centre run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints near you, they too have volunteers who can help you with your research. These centres have access to worldwide records.
If you have a difficult search dilemma, or you don’t have the time to do the research yourself, you might need to think about hiring a professional researcher. Cyndi’s List has a listing of Family History professionals. The Society of Australian Genealogists maintains a list of Professional Researchers who have completed their Diploma of Family Historical Studies . These can be good places to start to find someone with the skill and expertise to solve your more difficult research questions. Ancestry™ also have a professional research arm.
As you can see, there are many groups and professionals willing and able to you to help you on your way!
Marilyn
