Family history and genealogy

A black-and-white photo of a family posed outside a brick house with a white picket fence. In the foreground, a man in a bowler hat sits beside a large dog, while a young girl stands nearby. A seated woman holds a baby on her lap, and a child is visible on the steps of the house in the background. The garden surrounding them is filled with overgrown plants.

Portrait of Oliver Barberie and family, 1900, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136621963

Uncover hidden stories of your heritage and trace your genealogy using our research guide.

Research guide

New one inch Ordnance Survey of England & Wales, 1864, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-231933519

This ‘one inch’ topographic map has a scale of one inch on the map representing one mile on the ground (1:63 360). Ordnance Survey maps at this scale provide an overview of an area, including the relationships between cities, villages and other features in the landscape.

British and Irish maps for family historians

Learn how to access historical gazetteers, Ordnance Survey maps, and early atlases to get detailed insights into your family's origins in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

Research guide

Excerpt from John Bartholomew and Son, Gazetteer of the British Isles, 9th ed., 1970, showing alphabetical listing of place names with details of each.

John Bartholomew and Son, Gazetteer of the British Isles, 1970, nla.gov.au/catalog/1374709

Historical gazetteers

Gazetteers are listings of places and can provide useful details, such as territorial division, location, alternate names, population size, and more.

Research guide

New one inch Ordnance Survey of England & Wales, 1864, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-231933519

This ‘one inch’ topographic map has a scale of one inch on the map representing one mile on the ground (1:63 360). Ordnance Survey maps at this scale provide an overview of an area, including the relationships between cities, villages and other features in the landscape.

Ordnance Survey maps

Ordnance Survey maps can give you detailed geographic information for England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland from the early 1800s onwards.

Research guide

Robert Morden et al, Kent, 1695, detail, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-231505192

Early atlases and county maps of Britain and Ireland

Atlases and county maps can help you find more detailed information about counties, shires and provinces.

Research guide

Robert Morden et al, Kent, 1695, detail, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-231505192

Early maps of London and other cities and towns

City maps provide road and rail information, and show buildings, farms, industries, schools, churches, and many other features.

Research guide

1892 map of the Parish of Tullamarine and Parish of Maribrynong

Parish of Tullamarine Parish of Maribyrnong, 1892, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-232027555

Australian maps for family historians

Discover land and property history with our extensive map collection and enrich your family history research with unique geographical records.

Research guide

Thomas Ham, Blundell and Ford, The squatting map of Victoria, 1864-1865, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-231392173

This squatting map of Victoria shows counties, road and rail lines, settlements and subdivisions. Relief is shown on the map using hachures.

Pastoral or squatting maps

Early pastoral or squatting maps can help you locate pastoral properties relating to ownership before Torrens Title, and for identifying large pastoral and squatting runs. Many maps we have can be viewed online, and all can be viewed at the Library.

Research guide

1912 map of the Parish of Booroomba, County of Cowley Land District of Queanbyan, Yarrowlumla Shire, Commonweath territory

New South Wales, Department of Lands, Parish of Booroomba, County of Cowley Land District of Queanbeyan, Yarrowlumla Shire, Commonwealth Territory, 1912, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-233985512

Parish, town and county maps

Published by the State Lands Departments from the 1860s onwards parish, town and county maps can be used to find land holdings, show boundaries, land use and types of ownership.

Research guide

A historic real estate map advertising a land auction at Circular Quay and George Street, Sydney, dated May 30th, 1900. The layout showcases plots available for development, labeled "colored red," situated near the wharves, shops, and notable buildings. Text emphasizes the commercial opportunities of the site, positioned near tram and maritime terminals.

Hardie & Gorman Pty. Ltd & W. E. Smith Ltd, Circular Quay and George St., a splendid site for stores and offices, opposite the wharves for auction sale at the rooms, 133 Pitt St, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-230508873

Real estate or sales plans

Use sales plans to find information about land sales, such as prices, boundaries, roads and land use.

Research guide

Hood Collection

About 240 recordings of folk music, folklore, and oral histories documenting family history, local history, work experiences, music and other arts.

Collection guide

Black and white photo of a small child playing with a wooden box and a hammer

C. R. Gotts, Philip Gotts, playing with a wooden box, 1921, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-144214274

Thinking outside the box: Creative approaches to family history research

See our outside-the-box strategies to help you uncover the hidden branches of your family tree.

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