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Family History

Family History

The stories of our families in our collections

What's inside

Explore the collection

A man seated at a table writing [B 47072/49]

Getting started

Knowing where to start researching your family history can be daunting, so we've compiled this starter guide to get you on your way to discovering your past.

South Australian Premier, Steele Hall, with his children [PRG1662/5/27]

Top 10 Family History websites

We have compiled a list of top 10 family history websites to help get your research started.

Alfred Congdon, oldest son beside the grave of James Congdon, c. 1868 - 1900 [B 150863/53]

Top 10 cemetery records

We have compiled a list of top 10 family history cemetery records to help get your research started.

Horse-drawn wagon, Heywood farm, Mount Compass [B 18659/16]

Top 10 residential records

We have compiled a list of top 10 family history resident resources to help get your research started.

Natives of Encounter Bay [B 15276/56]

Aboriginal family history

This research guide has been developed to assist Australian Aboriginal people wanting to trace members of their family, within the collections of the State Library.

Baby Evangeline being bathed by her mother [B 56385]

Births, deaths and marriages (BDM)

Search vital records online or find where they are held. The Library has records from major churches and some undertakers and solicitors. 

Walter Reynell reading a newspaper, 1906. SLSA: B58424

British Library Newspapers

A great resource for family historians covering 300 years of British newspaper publishing with millions of pages, searchable from home for Library members.

Trinity Church, North Terrace [B 7187]

Church records

The State Library holds extensive church records for South Australia as well as histories and photographs of churches.

Hawkes Family photograph album [B 72257/78]

Finding where they lived

Want to find out the history of house residents? This guide will get you started.

Passengers on S.S. Zealandia [B 28518/155]

Immigration and Shipping

Check our resources for passenger arrivals and shipping movements in and out of South Australia, as well as our extensive collections focusing on life at sea.

St Mary's Church, South Road, c. 1910 [B 23387]

Savill Index of The Advertiser Funeral Notices

Originally compiled by Gerald Savill and being added to continually by State Library volunteers and staff is the Savill Index of The Advertiser Funeral Notices website, which covers funeral notices from 1971 onwards.

Private Frank Hancock [B 73349/12]

War and military service

Read reports of the deaths of South Australians in the First World War or learn about your ancestor’s involvement in major conflicts.

A South Australian Chinese naturalisation certificate 17 July 1889 [BRG 261/004/002/001 and BRG 261/004/002/002]

Government Records

Government records sometimes give key information for genealogy. The Library has indexes and publications including police and education gazettes and electoral rolls.

Directories and almanacs at the State Library of South Australia

Almanacs and Directories

Published annually for 130 years, the State Library has digitised South Australian post office directories listing city and country households for 1864 to 1973.

Group of women Old Colonists [B 19985 MOSAIC]

Old colonists

Come in and have a look, they are located in the Somerville Reading Room. Or you can explore the groups of men and women online.

Overview

Tour Down Under cyclists Port Adelaide 22nd January 1999

About the collection

The State Library Family History Collection specialises in South Australian resources and materials.

Our extensive collections and expertise, can provide individuals opportunities to explore their cultural heritage, ethnic origins and personal identity through researching their family history.

Research guides

Need help?

Ask Us, Roland Eime, librarian in charge of Youth Lending, assisting a customer [B 72589/3]

Ask Us

For all your research or reference queries our librarians are here to help you!

Using our collection materials, view of customers in the reading area.

Using our collection material

View our policies, procedures, conditions of use and frequently asked questions about using and accessing our collections. 

Youth Lending Service, circa 1970 [B 68890]

Join the State Library

Did you know that State Library membership is free? Being a State Library members provides you with greater access to the collection. Check out the benefits and sign up for a card today.

Plan your visit

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include quiet study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.