QFHS Snippets - May 2010 Volume 10, No. 5

Our next general meeting on 19 May will feature a presentation on ‘Asylum records: A place to look for ancestors’.

You can learn about or re-acquaint yourself with our QFHS library with an orientation tour.

Open days for the coming weeks include the Commissariat Store, Queensland Parliamentary Archives and Queensland Government House.

Researchers with ancestors with in Norfolk County now have an extra online resource to search for that elusive family member.

Happy researching!

Please to send your Snippets pieces to us at: snippets@qfhs.org.au

Table of Contents

    1. About This Newsletter
    2. QFHS Gaythorne Centre
    3. QFHS Dates to Remember
    4. Help Required
    5. Queensland State Archives 2010 Saturday Openings
    6. Genealogy Online - Chermside & Brisbane Square
    7. The Friends of Peel Island Association
    8. Commissariat Store Museum Open Day
    9. Queensland Parliamentary Archives Open Day
    10. Government House Open Day
    11. Read all about it! Newspapers at the State Library
    12. Queensland State Archives New Records
    13. Judy Webster
    14. National Archives Brisbane
    15. The Commissariat Store Museum - Thomas Welsby - Recognition at Last!
    16. Toowong Cemetery News
    17. German Station / Susanne Godeffroy
    18. Dedication Ceremony to honour Richard William Curtis
    19. Windsor and Richmond Gazette Newspaper Index 1921
    20. Norfolk County Parish Records
    21. Irish Research Online
    22. Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK)
    23. Ancestry Magazine now Available Online - Free
    24. Biological Brothers Find Each Other After 30 Years
    25. Unlock the Past Genealogical Cruise
    26. FamilySearch Classes Online for Free
    27. May's Moment of Mirth
    28. Acknowledgements

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1.    About This Newsletter

Snippets is a monthly publication of the Queensland Family History Society Inc. (QFHS). QFHS Website http://www.qfhs.org.au/

Please do not click on reply to contact Snippets - the 'click on reply' facility is strictly for 'un-subscribing' to the mailing list.

You are encouraged to contribute items which you feel would be of general interest to the family historian hunting for that illusive relative. Humorous items and items relating to the technology of using computers in genealogy are also welcome. Submit your BRIEF items supplemented by hyperlinks to additional details.

Snippets will rarely include items of a commercial nature and only then when they are likely to be of interest to a majority of our readers.

Submit your items to us via: snippets@qfhs.org.au
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2.     QFHS Gaythorne Centre

Our address is:

    58 Bellevue Ave
    Gaythorne QLD 4051
    QFHS library - (07) 3355 3369

For details about QFHS Centre, including location map, transport etc, click here: http://www.qfhs.org.au/location_hours.htm#Library

3.     QFHS Dates to Remember


QFHS Monthly General Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month (but not in January and December), at the QFHS Library, and start at 7:30pm. Attendance is free, and visitors are welcome.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, 19 May. Ms Shauna Hicks will discuss: "Asylum records: A place to look for ancestors".
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QFHS Daytime Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month (but not in January and December) at 20 Marmont Street, Geebung from 10am - 12 Noon.
The next meeting will be held on 10 May.

Contact Maureen Mutton on 3265 4378 if you would like to attend.
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Central European Group

Meetings are held 10am - Noon on the 4th Saturday of each odd-numbered month. A $2 donation goes toward purchasing relevant records.

The next meeting will be on 22 May 2010 at the QFHS library.

For further information, contact Eric Kopittke on (07) 3376 4339 or email kopittke@tpg.com.au OR centraleuropean@qfhs.org.au   Top of page

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Educational Workshop

Cost is $5.50 per person which goes towards purchasing more research materials for the Library. Time - 10am to 12 noon at QFHS Library.

Next workshop dates are: 
For bookings - contact Desley Schafer - phone (07) 3204 4254 or email: educationofficer@qfhs.org.au
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English West Country Group

This group researches the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Meetings are held from 12 Noon - 2pm at the QFHS Library, on the fourth Thursday of the odd-numbered months.

Next meeting: Thursday, 27 May 2010.

For further information contact Robert Browning on (07) 3359 9801 or email: robertbb2@bigpond.com

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Family History Writing Group

These meetings are held from 9am - 11am at QFHS Library on the third Saturday of odd-numbered months.

Next meeting: Saturday, 15 May 2010.

For further information contact FHWriters@qfhs.org.au OR Robert Adamson on (07) 3266 8353 OR Sue Reid on (07) 3378 2278.   Top of page

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Family Tree Maker User Group

These meetings run from 10am - 11:30am at QFHS Library and are held on 1st Friday each month except January and last Saturday in each even-numbered month except December.

The next meetings will be held on:
For further details, please contact Kerri Kleidon or Joe Greaves via e-mail on: familytree@qfhs.org.au

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Irish Interest Group

Meetings are held from 10am - 12 Noon at QFHS Library on the second Saturday of the even-numbered months (not December).

Next meeting: Saturday, 12 June 2010.

For more information about Irish Interest Group contact Mary King on (07) 3205 3353 or email irish@qfhs.org.au   Top of page

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Member Orientations - 'Old' & New Members Welcome

You will almost certainly learn new stuff about the Society, and helpful hints about using the Library and researching, all in a friendly atmosphere and informal setting. New members are especially welcome.

Next orientations:
Numbers are limited to allow full participation. BOOKING is ESSENTIAL. Please note: Sessions are usually fully booked, with a waiting list, so please advise the organisers as soon as possible if you find you are unable to attend when you have a booking.

Contact Bev Bonning on (07) 3355 7389 or Wendy Annand on (07) 3395 2530 or email them at welcome@qfhs.org.au   Top of page

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Scottish Interest Group

Meetings are held from 10am - 12 Noon at QFHS Library on the second Saturday of odd-numbered months (except January). Donations to buy more Scottish resources are welcome.

Next meeting: Saturday, 8 May and Saturday, 10 July.

For further information: Email scottish@qfhs.org.au OR phone Sam on (07) 3266 9131   Top of page

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Welsh Interest Group

This group meets on the fourth Sunday of the odd numbered months from 10am - 12 Noon at the QFHS Library.

Next meeting is: Sunday, 23 May.

Contact Paul Wood on welsh@qfhs.org.au for further information.   Top of page

4.    Help Required

Do you like to 'talk' family history? Do you enjoy meeting people? If so, perhaps you would consider volunteering to assist with some of the stalls and displays in which QFHS participates. If you could spare few hours to come along and staff one of the stalls, that would be much appreciated. Most organisations hold their functions on a Saturday or Sunday, but there is an occasional mid-week event. If you are interested in helping, please contact the secretary by email secretary@qfhs.org.au or contact the QFHS Library and leave your details. QFHS will be taking part in a number of functions from May through to July. The first of these is the Biennial Family and Local History Fair at Cleveland on Sunday, 23 May. All offers of help welcome.   Top of page

5. Queensland State Archives 2010 Saturday Openings

In 2010, Queensland State Archives will be open to the public on the second Saturday of every calendar month from 9am to 4:30pm. The 2010, Saturday opening dates for the next three months are:
Queensland State Archives are located at 435 Compton Road, Runcorn, Queensland. For more details, go to http://www.archives.qld.gov.au/research/hours.asp

6. Genealogy Online - Chermside & Brisbane Square

 These popular computer classes helping researchers find family history resources on the Internet are held on the first Sunday of each month from 1:30pm to 3pm at the Chermside Library, 375 Hamilton Road. The next classes will be held on Sunday, 2 May and Sunday, 6 June.

QFHS Library Assistants are on hand at Chermside to help on an individual basis. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential so contact Jo or Lisa at Chermside Library on (07) 3403 7200.

A new class will be starting at Brisbane Square Library - 266 George Street, Brisbane on Sunday, 16 May from 1pm to 2:30pm.

For further information contact Elaine Pollard at koko12@tpg.com.au or Jill Ritchie at: jillr@ecn.net.au   Top of page

7. The Friends of Peel Island Association

The opening of an Exhibition "Going to the Gums... the Lazaret on Peel Island" will be held on Saturday, 15 May from 2pm to 4pm in its new location at Fort Lytton National Park, Conference Centre (the former quarantine dining room building), Lytton Road, Lytton. Mr Fred Bruinsma from the Queensland Leprosy Mission will give the opening address for this exhibition which features wood carvings, photographs, correspondence and other items.

From 1907, Hansen's Disease (leprosy) patients of all ages from all areas of Queensland including Aboriginals, Asians, Caucasians and South Sea Islanders were ordered to Peel Island under police escort; mostly travelling in the 'leper wagon' at the end of a train. Altogether some 500 - 700 patients were admitted, and sometimes discharged and readmitted, to the island's Lazaret from 1907 to 1957.

For more information, contact Mette Juel on telephone: (07) 3822 3501 or email: mette@juels.dk or go to: http://www.nationaltrustqld.org/events.htm#FOPI   Top of page

8. Commissariat Store Museum Open Day

On Sunday, 16 May from 10am to 3pm, you can enjoy guided tours every half hour through the store museum. At 11am Peter Fegan will make a presentation on the pictorial history of three of Brisbane's historic houses, each at one time home to the Blume family.

Entry is by gold coin donation at 115 William Street, Brisbane. For more details, telephone: (07) 3221 4198.   Top of page

9. Queensland Parliamentary Archives Open Day

On 22 May an Open Day will be held to commemorate the 150th year of parliament in Queensland. The archives will be open from 10am to 3pm at the corner of George and Alice Streets, Brisbane.

Read more at: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/parliaments-secret-room-reveals-memories-and-oddities/story-e6freoof-1225849617510
and: http://www2b.abc.net.au/EventCentral/View/event.aspx?p=0&e=2965475

10. Government House Open Day

On Sunday, 6 June (Queensland Day) from 10am to 3pm you can visit the public rooms and gardens. This year 'Fernberg' is celebrating 100 years of vice-regal residency.

Government House is one of Queensland's showcase public buildings, situated in beautiful gardens in Paddington, an inner suburb of Brisbane's central business district. As home of the Governor, Government House plays an important role in the public life of Queensland.

What to Expect?
Entry is free, and the event will be cancelled in the event of wet weather.

More details are available at: http://www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/government_house/visitorsprograms.aspx   Top of page

11. Read all about it! Newspapers at the State Library

Discover the newspaper resources available at the Queensland State Library, including copies in the Tim Fairfax Newspaper Reading Room, online, microfilm, and the resources of Heritage Collections such as cuttings books and clippings files. The session includes a tour.

A prerequisite for the session are basic computer skills.

The session will be held on Wednesday, 16 June from 9:30am-12noon at the Training Room, level 1, Queensland State Library, Stanley Place, Southbank, Brisbane.

To book your free ticket, contact Qtix on 136 246 or: https://www.qtix.com.au/show/SLQ_Read_All_Apr_Jun_10.aspx   Top of page

12. Queensland State Archives New Records

Queensland State Archives regularly receives new records into the collection from various public authorities. New series, and major additions to existing series of records, are identified in a monthly list on Queensland State Archives' website. Recent new additions to Queensland State Archives' collection include:
For other new records check out: http://www.archives.qld.gov.au/research/new_records.asp

13. Judy Webster

Judy Webster extends her apologies to anyone who is waiting for a research report. Last year she assumed the role of carer for her father so that he could continue to live in his own home. Sadly, he recently passed away. Judy is not sure when she will be able to return to Brisbane and resume research, but her genealogy seminars will proceed as per the schedule on this page: http://www.judywebster.gil.com.au/talks.html

Have you checked out Judy Webster's website, especially 'Queensland' lately? Her website provides a large number of topics covering many government and other areas in which to search for our ancestors. She also gives tips for Queensland research and lots more - check it out for yourself. Judy is a QFHS member and a professional genealogist.
 
Get lots of research hints available from: http://www.judywebster.gil.com.au/index.html   Top of page

14. National Archives Brisbane

The National Archives Brisbane Office reduced their opening hours. Now State Government bureaucrats are studying statistics for the Public Search Room at Queensland State Archives. The warning is: 'Use it or lose it!' To boost numbers, please consider doing your research in person instead of emailing or writing to the Archives.

Read more at: http://www.judywebster.gil.com.au/announce.html

15. The Commissariat Store Museum - Thomas Welsby - Recognition at Last!

That's the title of the new exhibition at the Commissariat Store Museum. This exhibition covers many areas of Welsby's life including his early childhood, as an athlete, businessman, fisherman, starting the Brisbane Gymnasium, Commodore of the Royal Queensland Yacht Club, President of the Historical Society of Queensland, involvement with Rugby Union Queensland, his passion for St Helena Island, and author and historian for the Moreton Bay area. Thomas Welsby bequeathed his magnificent library to the Historical Society of Queensland and some of his scrapbooks, photos, letters, books and trophies are on display.

Welsby wrote seven books on the Moreton Bay area and his journal article Recollections of the Natives of Moreton Bay is on display. This exhibition recognises the importance of Thomas Welsby as an early historian of the Brisbane area.

Don't miss the opportunity to see works from Thomas Welsby's collection on display, which will be open until 31 December 2010. The museum exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesdays to Fridays at 115 William Street, Brisbane. For more details, telephone: (07) 3221 4198.   Top of page

16. Toowong Cemetery News

Members may wish to check the latest information about Toowong Cemetery on the Friends of Toowong Cemetery (FOTC) website: http://www.toowong.cemetery.org.au/  An article dealing with a court case involving damage to headstones at Toowong Cemetery appeared in The Brisbane Times of 17 April 2010: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/grave-news-for-headstone-vandals-20100416-sk81.html

17. German Station / Susanne Godeffroy

Our names are Noel and Del Bergman and we are members of QFHS. We are interested in making contact with anyone who may have information on any of their families who settled or lived for a time at "German Station" around 1865-1870.  This includes the present day areas of Nundah, Nudgee, Zillman Waterholes, Zillmere and Banyo.

We are researching the history of the ship "Susanne Godeffroy", and the passengers who emigrated from Hamburg, Germany to Brisbane on the 1865 voyage. The aim of this research is ultimately to produce a book which will not only tell the history of this particular voyage, but also the story of the lives and fate of the 530 passengers who undertook this adventurous voyage to begin a new life here in Queensland.  The ship "Susanne Godeffroy" left Hamburg on 9 May 1865 and arrived at Moreton Bay on 6 September 1865. 

In the course of our research we have found that many of the families we are researching either spent their first few years at or settled at "German Station' or nearby and we are interested in compiling as much information either from certificates or family stories to build a picture of what the area was like in the nineteenth century.  Basically, we are interested in anything that will help to bring these people to life, with the understanding that the information may be included in our proposed book. 

Noel and Del Bergman can be contacted by email  at: nanddbergman@optusnet.com.au

For further information on the project go to: http://members.optusnet.com.au/nanddbergman/   Top of page

18. Dedication Ceremony to honour Richard William Curtis

A non-profit group is organising a dedication ceremony to honour a Queensland American Civil War veteran with a bronze headstone and military marker 95 years after his death, as his grave was never marked.

Richard William Curtis was an American Civil War officer and paymaster aboard the Confederate cruiser, CSS Georgia, the ironclad CSS Stonewall and the CSS Rappahannock of the Confederate States Navy; 1861-1865.

He was born on January 5, 1840 in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England and died of drowning in the Brisbane River at Hamilton, on November 10, 1905.

A military graveside dedication at Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane is being organised with a full Confederate military colour guard and ceremony. The memorial dedication is being organised by the American Civil War Round Table of Queensland and the William Kenyon Australian Confederates Camp 2160, of the Sons of Confederate veterans, Inc.

Family members and descendants are requested to contact Commander James M. Gray of the William Kenyon Australian Confederates Camp 2160, of the Sons of Confederate veterans, Inc., as soon as possible so Confederate Memorial Certificates honouring their ancestor's military service can be prepared for them in advance. Certificates, suitable for framing, are available for family members at no cost. For more details, contact Commander James Gray by telephone on (07) 3388 0581 or by email at jamesmgray@bigpond.com

A public announcement of the dedication date will be made prior to the ceremony inviting all to attend.   Top of page

19. Windsor and Richmond Gazette Newspaper Index 1921

This index contains over 4,500 entries, and is available in either A4 book format or on CD-ROM at $35 each (postage free within Australia).

All entries state: name, event, age (where stated), district at the website: http://www.gownewspaperindexes.com.au/wgaz1921.html

A print-out service is also offered for articles from the newspaper microfilms at a charge of $5 per article and require a stamped, self-addressed envelope. This is sometimes a more economical way to obtain the articles.   Top of page

20. Norfolk County Parish Records

For all you researchers with ancestors in Norfolk county, the Family Search Pilot scheme now includes Norfolk county parish records. Have fun searching at: http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#start   Top of page

21. Irish Research Online

The following site currently has free County Kerry and County Dublin church records: http://www.irishgenealogy.ie/
When you are using this site for County Dublin also use: http://www.dublinheritage.ie/

The reason is that this second site gives different information e.g. date of baptism. For baptisms check for additional children, as sometimes the mother's maiden name is used, at other times her married name. Also look for siblings of the parents. If you cannot pick up the parents' marriage you may pick up siblings' marriages.   Top of page

22. Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK)

These volunteers have agreed to do a free genealogy research task at least once per month in their local area as an act of kindness. While the volunteers of  RAOGK  have agreed to donate their time for free, you must pay the volunteer for his/her expenses in fulfilling your request (copies, printing fees, postage, film or video tape, parking fees, etc).

RAOGK is a global volunteer organisation. With over 4000 volunteers in every United States state and many international locations, they have helped thousands of researchers. The volunteers take time to do everything from looking up courthouse records to taking pictures of tombstones. All they ask in return is reimbursement for their expenses (never their time) and a thank you.   However, there don't seem to be any Queensland members - maybe some QFHS members could be interested in becoming volunteers? See http://www.raogk.org/   Top of page

23. Ancestry Magazine now Available Online - Free

Ancestry Magazine is no longer being printed, but you can read all the past issues online, free of charge. You can find articles by all your favourite contributors including leading genealogy writers. Best of all, the past issues are available in their entirety free of charge.

You can find the past 16 years of Ancestry Magazine on Google Books at: http://books.google.com/books/serial/FTgEAAAAMBAJ?rview=1&lr=&sa=N&start=0

24. Biological Brothers Find Each Other After 30 Years

A Newfoundland pair of men learn they have been within shouting distance from one another and are happily reunited after being separated for thirty years. Read about their remarkable reunion at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/biological-brothers-find-each-other-across-the-street-after-30-years/article1522019/
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25. Unlock the Past Genealogical Cruise

A relaxing 7 night cruise to the stunning South Pacific combined with a fascinating conference schedule. This inaugural Unlock the Past 2011 cruise will prove to be a must-attend event.
Check it out at: http://www.unlockthepast.com.au/history-genealogy-cruise-2011   Top of page

26. FamilySearch Classes Online for Free

Classes in the following topics are now available online at no charge:
Some topics can only be viewed online, but others can be downloaded to view anytime. There are also help and other tips as pdf files you can also download.

Check it out at: http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/education/frameset_education.asp?PAGE=education_research_series_online.asp%3FActiveTab=2
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27. May's Moment of Mirth

A little girl asked her mother, "How did the human race appear?"

The mother answered, "God made Adam and Eve and they had children, and so all mankind was made."

Two days later the girl asked her father the same question. The father answered, "Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race evolved."

The confused girl returned to her mother and said, "Mum, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and Dad said they developed from monkeys?" The mother answered, "Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his."
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28. Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all those who have taken time out to send items of interest to our "Snippets" mailbox at: snippets@qfhs.org.au

The more we receive, the more frequently we can produce a Newsletter. If your submission does not appear in this issue, we will try to include it in a future edition. Please note that reference to any product does not imply endorsement. Members are cautioned to evaluate products prior to purchase.

Pauline Macfarlane

Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced in good faith, and information received is deemed to be accurate, but the editor takes no responsibility for incorrect information supplied. [Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editor or of QFHS]

Permission to reprint articles from QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER is granted unless specifically stated otherwise, provided: (1) the reprint is used for non-commercial, educational purposes; and (2) the following notice appears at the end of the article: "Previously published in QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER" with the appropriate date and volume number (eg QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER January 2009 Vol 9 No. 1). The last six months issues of Snippets are available from: http://www.qfhs.org.au/snippets.htm

If you do not wish to continue to receive the QFHS email Newsletters, please click on "REPLY" at the top of your window and simply type "unsubscribe" in the subject line. You do not need to write a message.
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