National Family History Month

Don't miss out.  Book your spot for National Family History Month

• Grow your family tree: State Library 12th and 13th August FHWA.
• Family History Open Day: Sunday 30 August
• Volunteers are needed. Contact the NFHM Planning Team   

National Family History Month

Western Ancestor awarded second place in national award

The Nick Vine Award, presented by the Australian Federation of Family History Societies acknowledges outstanding publications across Australia.

Topping the field this year is Descent,the journal of the Society of Genealogists in NSW. The July 2025 edition of Western Ancestor was awarded runner-up.

Check all FHWA events for NFHM 2026 and secure your spot at What's On.

National Family History Month

August is NFHM on in our library too

Time to refresh your skills or learn some new ones.  The FHWA library has an extensive collection of how-to-do-it books. It's not all online. Explore our collection.

Focus on the library - July

Researching your family from India

Our collection has a varied and interesting range of materials relating to Indian family history.and a useful guide for researchers.  Browse the catalogue online, or browse the shelves. And don't forget to check out the India and SE Asia Group's webpage.

Annual General Meeting

Record awards presented at AGM

The 2026 Annual General Meeting  made a record number of awards to the extraordinary volunteers who are the lifeblood of the Society. Their many years of varied and extensive contributions are acknowledged. Awards citations are attached.

• Life Membership was awarded to our Treasurer Neil Bradley and State Library Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Dimond
• Merit Awards went to Housegroup Convenors, Colleen Fancote and Olive Sampson, and to new President, Chris Harris
• Service Awards John Wright "Mr Scotland" and Maureen Robbins library volunteers.
• SIG Awards Ian Dew, Technology Group, Liana Fitzpatrick, Writers Group and Peter Hamersley South of England Group.
• Appreciation Award to Zoe Inman.of the Writers Group.

Annual General Meeting

New President for FHWA

Chris Harris was elected to the position of President at the AGM in June.  She is well known to many members for her leadership in upgrading the FHWA's IT system and website.  She also has served on the Management Committee as Vice President. 

Meet your new Committee for 2026 here.

People of WA's Ghost Towns

Mundaring, as we now know it is not in its original location. 

Read about its origins here.  

Phase 7 ghost towns, including Mundaring, indexing is now underway.  See the towns here.