Genealogy
With such a rich history from the boom times of the goldrush, Bendigo has seen many people call Bendigo home over the years.
There was a population explosion in Bendigo during the goldrush. People came from across the world to seek their fortune in Bendigo in the mid to late 1800’s. Hopeful miners came from China, Germany, England, Wales, Hungary and all across the globe.
This migration of people to the goldfields and the later dispersion of people from the goldfields to other parts of Australia and beyond is the reason why it has been said many times that one in four Australian’s have heritage links to the goldfields region. This very fact has lead to a great interest in genealogy in Bendigo and the smaller villages in the area.
The Bendigo Regional Genealogical Society is an active research group. Their records are accessible from 1-6 pm each Monday, 1-5 pm Wednesday, 10am-1pm Saturday in the reference area of the Bendigo Public Library in Hargreaves Street. Assistance is available to family historians.
The society will undertake local research for those who are unable to visit the library in person. Contact PO Box 1049, Bendigo 3552 to request research from our volunteer members and remember to always enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with any correspondence to the society. Fees are charged at twenty dollars ($20) per basic enquiry or twenty dollars ($20) an hour for extended searches - i.e. more than one surname - plus costs for photocopying, microfilm hire, printouts etc. Payment must be included with the research request.
For more information on the Bendigo Regional Genealogical Society visit http://home.vicnet.net.au/~brgs/
The Goldfields Research Centre at the Bendigo Library is a must for genealogical research, and cemetery walks offer another avenue of research.
For Chinese history, visit the Golden Dragon Musuem library and research centre. It houses a collection of records including immigration, cemetery, council rates, family tree, and various research papers. Also, available for viewing in our reference library is a collection of local history publications.
