Current and Upcoming Events

Unusual Convictions

Gary and Robyn will share stories of their ancestors' unusual convictions. Perhaps one of your ancestors was convicted of something unusual: please feel… Read More

The talk will outline the processes and resources available to research individuals from Victoria to their ancestors in Scotland
Conducted via Zoom.
Open to Members and Non-Members
Cost: Free to all
Free of charge.… Read More

Presenters: John Blackwood and Paula Mitchell

The ScotlandsPeople website, www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk  "is the official Scottish Government site for… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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

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

Please note that the GSV will be closed for the Labour Day public holiday on March 9, 2026. The GSV Library facilities with research assistance is open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm excluding public holidays and the Xmas/New Year holiday… Read More

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… Read More

AI Explained for Family Historians

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

•    AI in… Read More

Unlocking the Past: England & Wales Discussion Circle

The meetings of England & Wales Circle will focus on topics that are pertinent… Read More

The GSV library will be open on Saturday, March 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… Read More

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,… Read More

Session 1: Exploring Our DNA Results

In this session, we will explore some of the many genealogical treasures included with our Ancestry DNA results and learn how to navigate and make… Read More

This seven session course will begin on Wednesday 18 March 10am-12pm and continue monthly on the 3rd Wednesday from March to September. The Course Convenor, Maureen Trotter, will lead each session by Zoom providing ample time… Read More

Session 1 - Australian Family History Course Launch and Introduction

A full day seminar to launch the course. 

Four sessions… Read More

A 9 session course consisting of 2 x full day sessions and 7 x  90 minute or 3 hour sessions.

Course topics include First Nations people, European colonisation, convicts and… Read More

Convenor: Trena Ronnfeldt

Our Tips & Tools forum examines the sources of family history information and explores how to use them more effectively. … Read More

Session 2 - Finding and using Convict resources

Presenter:    Bronwyn Quint, Convenor, GSV Convicts & Transportation Discussion Circle… Read More

Celebrating Women

It's Womens' History Month. It's often hard to research women. Come and share stories of your female VicTas ancestors and how/where you found… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

The Ryerson Index is a free index of death notices appearing in Australian newspapers. John Graham, the President of the Index, will provide a description of the Index, including how it was developed and the plans for its future. He will… Read More

Convenor: Jenny Redman.

We will be discussing researching your ancestors in the counties that make up the Midlands of England: Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire,… Read More

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 &… Read More

Breaking Down Brick Walls with AI

• Turning stuck research into smarter questions
• Prompt examples… Read More

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… Read More

Session 2: Shared Matches: Our Connection to Cousins

Our DNA match lists connect us to thousands of people who share DNA with us. Some of these people are known,… Read More

Naomi Beder of Albumworks, will talk about the benefits of making a photo book for your family history. She will also outline how to start a project, how to use their editor and will also look at best practices for scanning and… Read More

Convener: David Down. 

The Good Oil sessions are designed to enable members to ask questions and to share their ideas, tips and tricks about a wide range of subjects relating to family history research. 
… Read More

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,… Read More

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,… Read More

Convenors: Jackie van Bergen and Michael Considine

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… Read More

This short course is offered over 8 weeks through 4 90-minute sessions held online. 

During the course you will:

• begin,… Read More

Session 3 - Finding and using records of Early Pioneers

Presenter:    Bronwyn Quint, Port Phillip Pioneers Group

$30 GSV members. $60… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

The GSV library will be open on Saturday, May 9, 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… Read More

Join our vibrant Irish Ancestry Discussion Circle with a focus on:

• Exploring Irish History and Genealogy in Australia.
• Building Connections.
• Enriching Discourse.
• Member Resources.
• … Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

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,… Read More

Session 3: Clustering DNA Matches

In this session, you will learn two easy methods of organising your DNA match list so that groups of related people… Read More

Convenors: Jackie van Bergen and Michael Considine

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… Read More

The Genealogical Society of Victoria and the Descendants of Convicts Group are delighted to announce their amalgamation. With a long history of association, this re-merger brings together the resources, volunteers and knowledge of both… Read More

Convenor: Trena Ronnfeldt

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

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,… Read More

Session 4 - Exploring Immigration & Shipping Records

Exploring Immigration Schemes, shipping records and internal migration

Presenter… Read More

Session 4: Research Objectives and Tree Building

Whether we want to confirm a section of our tree or solve a family mystery, having a specific… Read More

Session 5 - Finding and Using Vital Records

Finding and using vital records: BDMs, adoptions, wills & probate, inquests, divorces, naturalisation, cemeteries, letters,… Read More

Session 5: Confirming Your Tree and Solving Mysteries

Learn how to solve more complex family mysteries by effectively using all of Ancestry’s… Read More

Session 6 - Finding and Using Early Land Records

Finding and using early land distribution records.
Land settlement records.
Land settlement & squatters.… Read More

Session 6: Digging Deeper

In this session, we will investigate some of the many innovative tools and techniques that have been developed to enhance… Read More

Session 7 - Finding and Using Gold Rush Records

Finding and using records related to the gold rush.
Occupation, education, health and police records.
… Read More

Session 7: Sharing Your Progress

How will you share your progress findings? In your online tree, WikiTree, FamilySearch tree, formal research report… Read More

Session 8 - Finding and Using Military Records

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

Session 9 Australian Family History Course - Course Completion

A full day seminar to complete the course. 

Four sessions addressing… Read More