Ask our experts :: Identifying an occupation from a family portrait

Our resident experts are on hand to answer your queries. Here, Inside History reader Beth Venning asked military historian Neil Smith for help in identifying the occupation of her grandfather, George Pearce, based on clues in a family photograph. Question Our research officer at the Milton Ulladulla Family History Society suggested I send my photo to Inside History … Read on

Ask our experts :: The case of the deceptive marriage certificate

Our resident experts are on hand to answer your queries. Here, Shauna Hicks gives tips to help a reader solve the puzzling dilemma of a marriage certificate riddled with inaccuracies. Question: Would it have been a mandatory requirement for people to provide birth certificates to marry in 1942? My parents were married in Victoria in 1942 and … Read on

ASK OUR EXPERTS :: Photo-dating male portraits with Jayne Shrimpton

In every issue of Inside History magazine, our resident experts answer our readers’ queries and help solve their brick walls. Shortly after we sent issue 27 of Inside History to the printers, we received the letter below from a reader named Christine, who shared a wonderful portrait of a chap from her family tree – she … Read on

Mark my words :: Demystifying antiquated words on historic records

Ever uncovered a fantastic record of your ancestor overseas — only to be baffled by the unfamiliar words of a bygone era? Genealogist Kirsty Gray demystifies antiquated terms. When you decided to start climbing your ancestral tree, it is unlikely that you considered the importance of obtaining a degree in the terminology and handwriting of … Read on

Hair Apparent :: 100 years of hairstyles – Our photo-dating guide

Ringlets, coils, loops and rolls- Jayne Shrimpton examines the evolution of women’s locks, from exuberant coiffures in the 1800s to the smooth post-war waves of the 1940s, revealing how to read your ancestor’s tresses: A fringe or frizzed front hair was worn with a bun behind the head, as seen in this image from 1895 … Read on

Choosing the right family history software :: Our expert guide

Family history database software is invaluable for organising your research and laying it out in a clear, logical manner. The only question is: which is best? The answer, says genealogist Michelle Patient, depends on your research needs. Whether you’re a seasoned genie with years of genealogy behind you, or have just started out on your … Read on

Ask our Experts :: Dating and Locating Photos with Jayne Shrimpton

Question from Gwyn Gillard: Please could you suggest when this photo was taken. The gentleman in the centre in the pale suit and pale top hat was married in April 1882 in Melbourne and I wonder if this picture could have been taken at his wedding. I would be extremely grateful for your opinion. Advice … Read on

How to Ask an Expert :: Help them help you

So you’ve got an opportunity to ‘Ask an Expert’ a burning question about that stubborn brick wall stunting your family tree – what next? Inside History‘s own resident genealogical expert, Shauna Hicks, says getting the most out of this exciting opportunity takes preparation and organisation. Here, she shares her tips on how to maximise your … Read on

Expert Q&A :: Exploring the Powerhouse Museum and Australian Dress Register

For our Expert Q&A on Thursday, 20 March we had Lindie Ward and Anni Turnbull from the Powerhouse Museum join us to answer your questions about the Powerhouse Museum collections, Australian Dress Register and Australian historical fashion. Thanks to Lindie and Anni for giving us the benefit of their expertise. Please find the transcript of the … Read on

Ancestry.com.au’s Brad Argent shares 10 tips for finding just the girl you want

Are you trying to trace a female ancestor who seems determined to stay hidden in the records? Brad Argent, content director for Ancestry.com.au, offers his advice for tracking down the maiden name of your elusive lady… This story originally appeared in issue 4 of Inside History. Click here for more. As family historians we face … Read on

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