Local and Family History

Our Library's Local & Family History Service was established to preserve and promote the history and culture of the district. The Local History Collection is a special part of the Library. The items in it are rare, sometimes even unique. They are here for your enjoyment and for the enjoyment of future generations.

• To identify, collect, preserve, archive and examine items and issues relevant to the social and cultural history of Tea Tree Gully
• To assist in the development of an accessible and relevant community history that not only accurately depicts the past, but is also inclusive enough to represent the current Tea Tree Gully community
• To act as a tool for those who are interested in writing their own histories - offering expert advice, research facilities and resources
• To promote and reflect the rich and diverse heritage of the district.

The local history collection has largely been created through the use of donated, relevant materials. Offers of donations, information about interesting collections in the community and loans of materials for copying are the lifeblood of the collection and we encourage you to contact us if you know of items that might enrich our collection. We will consider the suitability of any item you bring to our attention.

The collection represents a significant research resource for anyone interested in any aspect of Tea Tree Gully's history. It includes:

• the Birth, Death and Marriage records for Talunga and Highercombe
• an extensive historical map collection
• oral histories
• over 5,000 photographs of the Tea Tree Gully area
• local school histories
• church and cemetery records
• the local Messenger from 1965 to the current edition
• ephemera (pamphlets, tickets, flyers, etc)
• books on the local area
• family histories

The Library no longer receives updated versions of the South Australian Electoral Roll. We hold, on microfiche, the years 1995 to 1999. 
Access to the Electoral Roll is available at the Electoral Office - Division of Makin, 959 North East Road, Modbury SA 5092.

This collection exists for present and future use. Many items in it can never be replaced. The Library uses a number of strategies to preserve this valuable collection:

• many unique and fragile items have been duplicated and copies (microfiche, sound recordings, photographic prints, etc) have been made for use in preference to the originals
• some items may be available for use only under supervision and you may be required to wear gloves or take other precautions when handling them
• some items cannot be photocopied

We hope that you will enjoy using the collection, but request that you remember many others will be using it for generations to come.

As the City's cultural centre, the Library aids in the community's understanding of how the City of Tea Tree Gully has grown and developed in many different ways. The Local History Service supports this through:

• lectures and talks in the Library
• historical displays
• guided bus tours
• visits to schools and community groups interested in the area's history and what steps are being taken to preserve it
• support for students, individuals and groups involved in researching and promoting family history in the area
• help in your family history research

Ancestry Database
The Library subscribes to the Ancestry Library Edition database, one of the largest family history databases available online. You have free access to the database from any computer within the Library and via the Library's wireless network, however Ancestry is not available for use outside the Library.
The Local History Service runs training sessions on the use of Ancestry throughout the year. We are also available for advice on using this very valuable research tool.

Do you need help with starting your family history or just want some practical advice on how to overcome problems with your research?

Well help is at hand. Volunteers are available in the Local History Room to assist people with their family history research every Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00am - 5:00pm. No bookings necessary.

In addition to this service, the Library offers the more experienced family history researcher personalised one-on-one help. You are guaranteed to receive individual assistance from one of the Library's knowledgeable Family History Volunteers when you attend a special session of up to one hour's duration on Thursdays.

Bookings are essential and can be made at the Library or by phone on (08) 8397 7333.