Current and Upcoming Events

What's new in the GSV collection — and what might you be missing? Join us on Zoom as GSV Librarian, Meg Bate, talks us through the latest additions to the library, plus a few gems you may not even know are already there!

Whether you're a regular or haven't browsed the collection in a while, this is a great chance to discover something new.

Our Family History Toolbox forum examines the sources of family history information and explores how to use them more effectively.

Each session aims to provide information, guidance, and foster engaging discussion on topics requested by members.  

Join us in the Circle for a lively exchange of ideas and insights, all aimed at enhancing your family history research.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date. 
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Session 8 - Finding and Using Military Records

Finding and using military records.
The Australian War Memorial.
National Archives of Australia.

Presenter:    Trena Ronnfeldt, Manager, GSV Library
 

$30 GSV members. $60 non-members. Maximum 95 participants.

Bookings are required and can be made online via the Register Now link. You will receive an email with full details including the Zoom link.
 

Bring out your Brick Walls!

This meeting will be a brick walls session. 
If you have something you would like the collective brains of VicTas to tackle, please send it through at least a week in advance so we can send it around to the group.
Please include the following in your submission / email:
- The question you want answered
- Ancestor’s name
- what you already know
- where you have already looked. 
A timeline is really helpful too. Alternatively you could tell us about a brick wall you have recently broken down, or even crumbled a bit - how did you do it?
Please send your brick wall and any other questions to us at victas@gsv.org.au
The Victoria and Tasmania Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in these two States. This meeting will take place on Zoom, and registrants will receive an email with the Zoom link.

More information about this Discussion Circle can be found at
https://www.gsv.org.au/victoria-and-tasmania-discussion-circle

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Library Discovery Day - Commercial Databases
Morning Session

These sessions will provide participants with one-on-one assistance with our team of library assistants on how to access and use the commercial databases available through GSV and how to get the most out of the library. Each session is limited to 6 participants so that we may best provide a one-on-one interaction with experienced research volunteers.

GSV Members only, free of charge. Bookings are essential, please log in to access the registration form. Bookings open late July.
Location: Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Library Discovery Day - Commercial Databases
Afternoon Session

These sessions will provide participants with one-on-one assistance with our team of library assistants on how to access and use the commercial databases available through GSV and how to get the most out of the library. Each session is limited to 6 participants so that we may best provide a one-on-one interaction with experienced research volunteers.

GSV Members only, free of charge. Bookings are essential, please log in to access the registration form. Bookings open late July.
Location: Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

The GSV is a leading Australian family history society and exists to assist Members in tracing their ancestors and to promote the study of genealogy.

This session will examine who we are, how we help each other with our research, what resources we hold and how best to access those resources from home and at the Research & Education Centre.

The meeting is designed to inform both new and existing Members and will be held online via Zoom. Your host, David Down, will demonstrate how to access our online resources and will answer any questions.

For GSV Members only.  Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The Welsh Research Discussion Circle provides a chance for those tracing Welsh ancestry to share knowledge and experience and for those new to Welsh research to gain some hints. Members discuss what resources they have used, local genealogical societies they belong to and, for those lucky enough to have visited Wales, their research experience there. Collaboration provides a chance to work through challenges and brick walls.
Presentations and discussions will cover topics specifically relevant to Welsh research. The England and Wales Discussion Group will cover topics pertinent to the whole of England and Wales.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

The Annual General Meeting of The Genealogical Society of Victoria will be held on Saturday 3rd October 2026 at 2.00 pm onsite at Level 1, 10 Queen Street and via Zoom. Those wishing to attend in person must email gsv@gsv.org.au to confirm if seats are still available. All other participants will receive a Zoom invitation.

For GSV Members only.  Free of charge. Please log in to register.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

This discussion circle is intended for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users. It is a self-help group for individuals familiar with DNA terminology and available software tools, who would like to work in a small study group where participants meet to continue honing their skills in genetic genealogy.

Participants will have completed the GSV DNA for beginners classes or have a similar knowledge base.

The study group will meet on the Internet via Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month.
Maximum attendees of 30 per meeting.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Bookings are essential. Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Whether you are just starting or an experienced writer, the GSV Writers Circle connects you with like-minded, supportive members who want to make their family history research into readable stories. Our varied program includes writing topics everyone can participate in and will help you on your writing journey. 
Contact Convenor Jenny Scammell at gsvwriters@gsv.org.au if you have any questions.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Calling all GSV members delving into their family history within the picturesque South West counties of Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire. Join us in the South West England Research & Discussion Circle (SWERD) for illuminating discussions and insights. Explore your ancestry in the historic and captivating landscapes of South West England with SWERD.

Member feedback and contributions on topics for discussion are always welcome and appreciated - let us know what you would like to discuss at our SWERD meetings.

For additional details about this Discussion Circle, please visit https://www.gsv.org.au/south-west-england-research-discussion-circle-swerd

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The GSV library will be open on Saturday, [Insert date], welcoming you from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For a smooth and secure visit, please remember that advance booking is essential. Ensure you reserve your spot no later than noon on the preceding Friday. You can make your reservation by reaching out to us via phone at (03) 9662 4455 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm) or through email at gsv@gsv.org.au.

Open Saturdays will be the 2nd Saturday of the month except for March and June when we will open on the 3rd Saturday of the month. We look forward to assisting you with your research needs on this Saturday and during our upcoming open Saturdays.

The GSV is a leading Australian family history society and exists to assist Members in tracing their ancestors and to promote the study of genealogy.

This session will examine who we are, how we help each other with our research, what resources we hold and how best to access those resources from home and at the Research & Education Centre.

The meeting is designed to inform both new and existing Members and will be held online via Zoom. Your host, David Down, will demonstrate how to access our online resources and will answer any questions.

Seniors Month for GSV Members and non-members. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to the start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Convenor: Jenny Redman.

The Midlands of England were the heartland of the Industrial Revolution. The area includes a wide variety of localities from the very rural to Birmingham, the second largest city in the United Kingdom.  Counties to be discussed are Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Convenor: Trena Ronnfeldt

Exploring the Department of Education's School Records Website

Kate Sullivan from the Department of Education will give GSV members a hands-on walkthrough of the new School Records website (vic.gov.au/school-records), demonstrating how to navigate and use the site for family history research. The presentation will cover the Victorian Government Schools Directory — the most comprehensive online listing of Victorian government schools — with particular attention to the history section, which includes previously unavailable information. The session is aimed at family historians researching Victorian ancestors or the history of Victorian schools more broadly.

Our Family History Toolbox forum examines the sources of family history information and explores how to use them more effectively.

Each session aims to provide information, guidance, and foster engaging discussion on topics requested by members.  

Join us in the Circle for a lively exchange of ideas and insights, all aimed at enhancing your family history research.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date. 

Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The talk will outline the processes and resources available to research individuals from Australia to their ancestors in Scotland.
Conducted via Zoom.
Open to Members and Non-Members
Cost: Free to GSV Members, $10 for non-members
Members need to register for discount. Registrations from early August 2026.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

(Please note that the ScotlandsPeople class on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 is a natural follow-on from this talk.)

Volunteer Thank You Morning Tea

GSV members who have volunteered their time during the past twelve months are warmly invited to join us for a Volunteer Thank You Morning Tea.

This is our opportunity to thank you for the time, knowledge and support you have given to the Society and its members.

If you would like to attend, please log on to register.

Getting there: From Southern Cross Station, take a Route 11 or 48 tram along Collins Street towards Docklands and alight at the terminus near Victoria Harbour. The venue is a short walk from the tram stop.

The British India Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in India between 1599 and Independence in 1947.

The Indian railways were built in the Raj to facilitate the commercial exploitation of India’s resources and to consolidate government control of the country, but railways also contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism and the eventual demise of the Raj in 1957.  This session will start with an overview of the development of the Indian railway network, and then Circle members will contribute stories of their ancestors who worked in Indian railways.

Aim: To understand and gain further knowledge of our ancestors' connections to, and lives in, British India, including those who worked within the Home Establishment.

Meetings will discuss the records available at the GSV and other organisations in Australia, as well as websites with relevant sources, including The British Library, FamilySearch, Findmypast, FIBIS, and TNA.

More information about this Discussion Circle can be found at  https://www.gsv.org.au/british-india-discussion-circle 

Senior Month GSV members and non-members. Free of charge. Please log in to Register. Registrations open in early August 2026.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Afternoon session only for those interested in learning more about the resources at the GSV for researching your ancestors from the Counties of Northern England.

The afternoon will begin with an introduction by Meg Bate our Library & Digital Resources Manager on how to use the catalogue to find various resources.  After that people will be assisted by Library Research Assistants to use the resources to pursue their own area of interest.

For GSV members only, with just 6 places available. Free of charge.
Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
 

Presenters: John Blackwood & Paula Mitchell.

The ScotlandsPeople website, www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk  "is the official Scottish Government site for searching government records and archives. In this site you have access to the statutory registers of births, marriages and deaths; census returns; church records; evaluation rolls; and legal records from Scotland's courts of law including Kirk Sessions records".
These include indexes and images.

This class on the ScotlandsPeople website will explore what's on the website, how to register as a user, buy credits, obtain certificates, as well as advice on researching the site.

Seniors Month. Free for GSV members, $10 for non-members. Please log in to register. Registrations open early August 2026.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Learn about Family History WA's 'People of Western Australia's Ghost Towns project' where information about the former occupants lives is being recorded. Christine Harris, the President of FamilyHistoryWA will talk about the history of the project and the information being collected.
The year 2029 marks the Bicentennial of Western Australia and the 50th Anniversary of FamilyHistoryWA. The People of Western Australia's Ghost Towns Project has been chosen as FamilyHistoryWA's project to celebrate these two major events. 
Since the foundation of the Swan River Colony, hundreds of town sites and communities have formed and disappeared. Their populations have come together and disbanded. The Project's database will provide a single point of reference where you can find out about these people, their lives, and their movements.

For GSV Members only.  Free of charge. Please log in to register.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Dr. Sebastian Gurciullo and Jack Martin from the Public Records Office Victoria will run an "Ask Me Anything" session related to online School and Education records. This will include how to order records, create accounts, FAQs and more.

The Victoria and Tasmania Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in these two States. This meeting will take place on Zoom, and registrants will receive an email with the Zoom link.

More information about this Discussion Circle can be found at
https://www.gsv.org.au/victoria-and-tasmania-discussion-circle

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Unlocking the Past: England & Wales Discussion Circle

The meetings of England & Wales Circle will focus on topics that are pertinent to the whole of England and Wales. This includes topics such as poor laws, workhouses, education, census records, health, political and social conditions.

For GSV members only.  Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Discover how you can use AI as an able assistant for your Genealogy research.

For GSV members only. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Are you tracing your family from Ireland? Join us at the Genealogical Society of Victoria for a dedicated in-person Irish Library Day. So many Australians have Irish roots — but tracking down exactly where your ancestors came from can be one of the trickiest challenges in family history. Are you just beginning to search for your immigrant ancestor's county or parish, or are you trying to break through a long-standing "brick wall" caused by Ireland's notoriously fragmented historical records? Come along to get a taste of the GSV's specialised resources. 

What We Will Cover

• Navigating the GSV Catalogue: Learn how to find Irish family histories and indexes unique to our collection.
• Irish-Australian Records: Explore shipping lists, assisted immigration records, naturalisation records and church indexes relevant to Irish arrivals in Victoria — many of whom came during or after the Great Famine.
• Finding the Townland: Get hands-on help using maps to pinpoint the county, barony and parish your ancestors called home before they emigrated.
• Expert Research Tips: Tackle the unique challenges of Irish research — from surviving record losses to deciphering Griffith's Valuation, civil registration, and Catholic parish registers.

Submit Your Questions Once you have registered, to help our volunteers provide the most relevant guidance, please submit an outline of your query to irish.ancestry@gsv.org.au (e.g. the O'Grady family of Wexford pre 1860). This allows us to identify helpful resources in the GSV collection prior to your arrival. Limited to 6 people at each session.

GSV Members only, free of charge. Bookings are essential, please log in to access the registration form.
Location: Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Are you tracing your family from Ireland? Join us at the Genealogical Society of Victoria for a dedicated in-person Irish Library Day. So many Australians have Irish roots — but tracking down exactly where your ancestors came from can be one of the trickiest challenges in family history. Are you just beginning to search for your immigrant ancestor's county or parish, or are you trying to break through a long-standing "brick wall" caused by Ireland's notoriously fragmented historical records? Come along to get a taste of the GSV's specialised resources. 

What We Will Cover

• Navigating the GSV Catalogue: Learn how to find Irish family histories and indexes unique to our collection.
• Irish-Australian Records: Explore shipping lists, assisted immigration records, naturalisation records and church indexes relevant to Irish arrivals in Victoria — many of whom came during or after the Great Famine.
• Finding the Townland: Get hands-on help using maps to pinpoint the county, barony and parish your ancestors called home before they emigrated.
• Expert Research Tips: Tackle the unique challenges of Irish research — from surviving record losses to deciphering Griffith's Valuation, civil registration, and Catholic parish registers.

Submit Your Questions Once you have registered, to help our volunteers provide the most relevant guidance, please submit an outline of your query to irish.ancestry@gsv.org.au (e.g. the O'Grady family of Wexford pre 1860). This allows us to identify helpful resources in the GSV collection prior to your arrival. Limited to 6 people at each session.

GSV Members only, free of charge. Bookings are essential, please log in to access the registration form.
Location: Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Your family has stories worth preserving. Why don’t you capture them before they are lost? Learn practical techniques for interviewing, recording and sharing oral history. Discover useful prompts and questions, and understand consent considerations. Presented by experienced genealogists with plenty of time for questions.

GSV Members free and non-members $10.  GSV members must log in to register for free.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Convener: Maureen Trotter. 

This discussion circle is intended for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users. It is a self-help group for individuals familiar with DNA terminology and available software tools, who would like to work in a small study group where participants meet to continue honing their skills in genetic genealogy.

Participants will have completed the GSV DNA for beginners classes or have a similar knowledge base.

The study group will meet on the Internet via Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month.
Maximum attendees of 30 per meeting.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Bookings are essential. Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Whether you are just starting or an experienced writer, the GSV Writers Circle connects you with like-minded, supportive members who want to make their family history research into readable stories. Our varied program includes writing topics everyone can participate in and will help you on your writing journey. 
Contact Convenor Jenny Scammell at gsvwriters@gsv.org.au if you have any questions.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Session 9 Australian Family History Course - Course Completion

A full day seminar to complete the course. 

Four sessions addressing AI apps, WeAre,xyz, Google Earth, Social Media, Local & Family History Societies, TROVE and how they can be used to assist your family history research.

Presenters:    Trena Ronnfeldt, Manager, GSV Library
                          Louise Millar-Hoffmann, GSV member & writer & Co-convenor, GSV Convicts & Transportation Discussion Circle,
                          Meg Bate, GSV Library & Digital Resources Manager,
                          Fiona Tellesson, Founder Experts in Genealogy,
                          Jill Trethewey, GSV member & presenter

Venue:             Face-to-Face, Library-at-the-dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Prom, Docklands, 3008 or via Zoom meeting link

$100 GSV members. $150 non-members. Maximum 95 participants.

Bookings are required and can be made online via the Register Now link. You will receive an email with full details including the Zoom link.
 

Presenters: John Blackwood & Paula Mitchell.

The ScotlandsPeople website, www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk  "is the official Scottish Government site for searching government records and archives. In this site you have access to the statutory registers of births, marriages and deaths; census returns; church records; evaluation rolls; and legal records from Scotland's courts of law including Kirk Sessions records".
These include indexes and images.

This class on the ScotlandsPeople website will explore what's on the website, how to register as a user, buy credits, obtain certificates, as well as advice on researching the site.

Free. For GSV members only. Please log in to register.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

The GSV library will be open on Saturday, November 14, 2026, welcoming you from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For a smooth and secure visit, please remember that advance booking is essential. Ensure you reserve your spot no later than noon on the preceding Friday. You can make your reservation by reaching out to us via phone at (03) 9662 4455 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm) or through email at gsv@gsv.org.au.

Open Saturdays will be the 2nd Saturday of the month except for March and June when we will open on the 3rd Saturday of the month. We look forward to assisting you with your research needs on this Saturday and during our upcoming open Saturdays.

This is a face-to-face meeting at the Kathleen Syme Library, Carlton. Our speaker is James Nicolas, who will present on the Victorian history of the Irish National Foresters Friendly Society, which was established in 1886 and provided Irish-focused dance, sport and entertainment, as well as income benefits and medical support.  James' talk will be followed by afternoon tea and socialising.

Even though this event will not be on Zoom, we do need members to register for it in the same way that they would register for a Zoom event.

More information about the Irish Ancestry Group can be found at https://www.gsv.org.au/irish-ancestry-discussion-circle

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
 

Convenors: Barbara Beaumont, Peter Collins, and Brian Reid.

Do you have ancestors in the north of England? We are an enthusiastic group that meets to discuss research and share interests in the north of England, covering the historical counties of Northumberland, Westmorland, Durham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland as well as the Isle of Man.  We meet bi-monthly on the third Tuesday from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Travels in western and southern India

Cherilyn Tilman will tell us about her recent visit to India, focussing on historical sites in Maharashtra and Karnataka.  This was a private undertaking, not a tour and most of the travel within India was by road.  Cherilyn says that she was deeply impressed with the abundance and diversity of historical sites in this small part of India.
The British India Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in India between 1599 and Independence in 1947.

Aim: To understand and gain further knowledge of our ancestors' connections to, and lives in, British India, including those who worked within the Home Establishment.

Meetings will discuss the records available at the GSV and other organisations in Australia, as well as websites with relevant sources, including The British Library, FamilySearch, Findmypast, FIBIS, and TNA.

More information about this Discussion Circle can be found at  https://www.gsv.org.au/british-india-discussion-circle 

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to Register.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Convenor: Trena Ronnfeldt

Our Family History Toolbox forum examines the sources of family history information and explores how to use them more effectively.

Each session aims to provide information, guidance, and foster engaging discussion on topics requested by members.  

Join us in the Circle for a lively exchange of ideas and insights, all aimed at enhancing your family history research.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date. 
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The GSV is a leading Australian family history society and exists to assist Members in tracing their ancestors and to promote the study of genealogy.

This session will examine who we are, how we help each other with our research, what resources we hold and how best to access those resources from home and at the Research & Education Centre.

The meeting is designed to inform both new and existing Members and will be held online via Zoom. Your host, David Down, will demonstrate how to access our online resources and will answer any questions.

For GSV Members only.  Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

This class is being presented on Zoom. 

Methodology and resources. A planned approach to starting your family history. Searching, recording, staying on track, avoiding the pitfalls ... there is much to learn from our experienced researchers. We highly recommend this session.
Topics will include:

• Collecting and recording information
• Births, Death & Marriages
• Cemeteries
• Wills & Probate
• Passenger & Naturalisation records
• Occupation & residential records
• Newspapers

GSV members only. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link is sent with confirmation email.

Discover what the International Settlers Group has to offer:

Research Assistance: Receive expert guidance for your genealogical research, both in Australia and abroad.
Connection and Collaboration: Forge valuable connections with fellow members, exchange ideas, and engage in activities together.
Library Insight: Receive direction on the wealth of records housed in the Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV) library, tailored to your specific research needs.
Informative Newsletter: Stay informed with our regularly published newsletter, featuring ISG activities, captivating articles, and insightful reports.
Resource Exploration: Unlock the potential of genealogical records available within the ISG to enhance your research.

More information about the International Settlers can be found at https://www.gsv.org.au/international-settlers-group-isgnon-british-research

For GSV members only. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Discover how you can use AI as an able assistant for your Genealogy research.

For GSV members only. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

The Convicts and Transportation Discussion Circle (CATDC) is for GSV members researching or interested in the convict system. Ancestral connections to a convict are not a requirement for participation in the discussion circle. The meetings take place on Zoom and registrants will receive an email with the Zoom link.

More information about this discussion circle can be found at https://www.gsv.org.au/convicts-and-transportation-discussion-circle.

For GSV members only. Members must log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The London and South-East Counties Discussion Circle is for GSV Members who are researching their family history in London and the surrounding counties of Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, and East and West Sussex.

More information about this Discussion Circle can be found at: https://www.gsv.org.au/london-south-east-counties-discussion-circle

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Book Club and 2027 Planning

Join us and tell us about a book or two that has informed your family / historical research and that you think will help others. It will be a book about Victoria or Tasmania, fiction or non-fiction, that gave you further insight, understanding and information about your ancestors' lives. Be prepared to speak about it for a few minutes. It would really help us add it to the book list if you have a sentence or brief paragraph describing it.
We'll also look at our 2027 program so any input and ideas are welcome.
The Victoria and Tasmania Discussion Circle is for GSV members researching their family history in these two States. This meeting will take place on Zoom, and registrants will receive an email with the Zoom link.

More information about this Discussion Circle can be found at
https://www.gsv.org.au/victoria-and-tasmania-discussion-circle

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Our most recent info is available on the Scottish Discussion Circle Noticeboard.  The Circle meets 4 times a year in March, June, September and November on the 3rd Saturday afternoon to hear speakers, tell stories of Scottish history and families, and assist each other in our research.  We aim to promote research into Scottish family history and promote an understanding of the nuances relating to research into Scottish family history, cultural heritage and society.  We publish Thistle 4 times a year with stories and help for research.
More information about the Scottish Discussion Circle can be found at https://www.gsv.org.au/scottish-discussion-circle-scotdisc or contact scotland@gsv.org.au

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Convener: Maureen Trotter. 

This discussion circle is intended for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users. It is a self-help group for individuals familiar with DNA terminology and available software tools, who would like to work in a small study group where participants meet to continue honing their skills in genetic genealogy.

Participants will have completed the GSV DNA for beginners classes or have a similar knowledge base.

The study group will meet on the Internet via Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month.
Maximum attendees of 30 per meeting.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Bookings are essential. Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Whether you are just starting or an experienced writer, the GSV Writers Circle connects you with like-minded, supportive members who want to make their family history research into readable stories. Our varied program includes writing topics everyone can participate in and will help you on your writing journey. 
Contact Convenor Jenny Scammell at gsvwriters@gsv.org.au if you have any questions.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The Welsh Research Discussion Circle provides a chance for those tracing Welsh ancestry to share knowledge and experience and for those new to Welsh research to gain some hints. Members discuss what resources they have used, local genealogical societies they belong to and, for those lucky enough to have visited Wales, their research experience there. Collaboration provides a chance to work through challenges and brick walls.
Presentations and discussions will cover topics specifically relevant to Welsh research. The England and Wales Discussion Group will cover topics pertinent to the whole of England and Wales.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.
 

Are you having problems finding those pre-1800s ancestors?

Where can you go from here? What other sources can be used?

This circle will cover all English counties and will introduce you to a range of less well-known record sources. All members are welcome.

For GSV members only.  Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Convenor: Jenny Redman.

The Midlands of England were the heartland of the Industrial Revolution. The area includes a wide variety of localities from the very rural to Birmingham, the second largest city in the United Kingdom.  Counties to be discussed are Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The London and South-East Counties Discussion Circle is for GSV Members who are researching their family history in London and the surrounding counties of Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, and East and West Sussex.

More information about this Discussion Circle can be found at: https://www.gsv.org.au/london-south-east-counties-discussion-circle

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, bookings open 3 months before the event.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Unlocking the Past: England & Wales Discussion Circle

The meetings of England & Wales Circle will focus on topics that are pertinent to the whole of England and Wales. This includes topics such as poor laws, workhouses, education, census records, health, political and social conditions.

For GSV members only.  Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The GSV library will be open on Saturday, December 12, 2026, welcoming you from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For a smooth and secure visit, please remember that advance booking is essential. Ensure you reserve your spot no later than noon on the preceding Friday. You can make your reservation by reaching out to us via phone at (03) 9662 4455 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm) or through email at gsv@gsv.org.au.

Open Saturdays will be the 2nd Saturday of the month except for March and June when we will open on the 3rd Saturday of the month. We look forward to assisting you with your research needs on this Saturday and during our upcoming open Saturdays.

The GSV is a leading Australian family history society and exists to assist Members in tracing their ancestors and to promote the study of genealogy.

This session will examine who we are, how we help each other with our research, what resources we hold and how best to access those resources from home and at the Research & Education Centre.

The meeting is designed to inform both new and existing Members and will be held online via Zoom. Your host, David Down, will demonstrate how to access our online resources and will answer any questions.

For GSV Members only.  Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date.
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

Convenor: Trena Ronnfeldt

Our Family History Toolbox forum examines the sources of family history information and explores how to use them more effectively.

Each session aims to provide information, guidance, and foster engaging discussion on topics requested by members.  

Join us in the Circle for a lively exchange of ideas and insights, all aimed at enhancing your family history research.

For GSV members only. Free of charge. Please log in to register. Note, event registrations can be made from 2 months prior to it's start date. 
Zoom link provided with registration confirmation email.

The GSV Library will be closed from Monday December 21, 2026 to Monday January 4, 2027.

However, we are pleased to inform you that the library will be open on the second Saturday of each month in 2027. To secure your visit, please ensure that you book in advance. Reservations must be made no later than noon on the preceding Friday.
You can reserve your spot by contacting us via phone at (03) 9662 4455 or by sending an email to gsv@gsv.org.au. We look forward to welcoming you for your research needs during our open Saturdays.