Open Day August 2026

National Family History Month

Open Day attracts many visitors to the FHWA's Bayswater centre

                                 

Irish, European and London, South England and Wales Groups (left), Convict and Enolled Pensioner Guard Interest Groups welcome visitors.

Capping off a month of activities for National Family History Month, FHWA threw its doors open on Sunday August 30.  And the public responded with dozens dropping by to see what happens at the May Street centre.

FHWA President, Christine Harris, said it was an extremely successful day, with our center buzzing with energy as visitors met our volunteers and challenged them with some curly questions.  "I cannot thank our volunteers enough for the hard work they undertook to make the whole month of activities a great success."

Some joined up, some came with some curly family history questions, and some came just to browse the stalls of the Interest Groups which put on a colorful and interesting display.

             

The Writers Group set up in the library (pictured left), FHWA Treasurer Neil Bradley explains the benefits of membership and the DNA Group members (right) gave information about their group.

Our many volunteers were challenged by the many questions, from Scotland to Italy, Miamar and Singapore, as well as convicts and local mysteries.  The volunteers rose to the occasion and their enthusiasm and expertise was instrumental, in more than 10 people joining up on the day.

The Open Day was the culmination of a range of activities, including two days of talks at the State Library, online and face-to-face presentations at May Street. Over the course of the month 44 people joined the society.  A record achievement!  Congratulations to all those involved.