Useful Links

Listed below are websites where you may be able to find more information to help with your research.

TROVE (National Library of Australia)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/

Trove is a National Library of Australia run repository focusing on Australia and Australians. Search for people, books, manuscripts, maps, pictures and digitised newspapers (including The Argus).

Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV)

https://prov.vic.gov.au/

PROV holds a huge range of records created by Victorian Government departments and authorities. These records date from the mid 1830s and include areas of justice, immigration, health, education and land. Some of these records are available online or you can contact PROV and arrange to view items personally.

State Library Victoria

https://www.slv.vic.gov.au

https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sands-mcdougall-directories

State Library of Victoria Map Collection

The State Library of Victoria’s map collection focuses on Australian maps, especially those covering Victoria. The collection includes rare maps, geographical and cartographic reference books, atlases and many other resources that can provide all sorts of leads for those investigating their family history.

State Library of Victoria Pictures Collection

The State Library of Victoria’s picture collection documents Victoria’s history visually through art works, objects and photographs. It contains images of Victorian people, the built environment, public and private gardens and historical events. Access to the collection is via the library's online catalogue.

Royal Historical Society of Victoria

https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/

The Royal Historical Society of Victoria maintains a comprehensive library and historical collections relating to Australian history, with a focus on the Victorian experience. Items available include rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and directories. Membership is required to access the library and collections.

Cinema and Theatre Historical Society (CATHS)

https://www.caths.org.au/

The Cinema and Theatre Historical Society fosters an interest in the architecture, history and heritage of cinemas and theatres in Australia.

Victorian Collections

https://victoriancollections.net.au/

Victorian Collections is a digital archive where you can search thousands of items held by galleries, museums, libraries, archives, historical societies and cultural collections across the state of Victoria, Australia.

Victorian Heritage Database

https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/

The Victorian Heritage Database contains information about Victorian heritage places and precincts, including statements of significance, physical descriptions, historical information, builders, architectural styles, photographs and heritage overlay numbers.

Victorian Places

https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/

Website created by Monash and Queensland Universities that explores the history of towns and suburbs across Victoria.

Genealogical Society of Victoria

https://www.gsv.org.au/

The Genealogical Society of Victoria has a comprehensive collection of family history indexes, books, CDs and other material relating to family history. Membership is required to access their collections.

1945 Melbourne

https://1945.melbourne/

An interactive areal map of Melbourne from 1945. Excellent for before and after comparisons.

Museum Victoria Biggest Family Album

https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2876

Museum Victoria Biggest Family Album features photographs from Victoria's and Australia's past, dating from the 1870s to the 1950s. The database includes over 9,000 photographs and is searchable using a wide range of criteria including topic, concept, activity, place and date.

Queer Goldfields

https://queergoldfields.au/

An online archive that uncovers the hidden histories of LGBTIQA+ people on the Victorian Goldfields. Queer Goldfields is a collaboration between the City of Ballarat and Federation University.

National Archives of Australia

https://www.naa.gov.au/

The National Archives of Australia collects and preserves government records, documenting the history of individuals, communities and the nation. Collections include immigration and military service records.

Australian War Memorial

https://www.awm.gov.au/

The Australian War Memorial has comprehensive records relating to Australians who served in the military. The archive is searchable by name, service number, unit name and conflict.

Births, Deaths and Marriages

Cemetery Websites

Greater Melbourne Cemetery Trust (For Coburg and Preston)

https://www.gmct.com.au/

Friends of Coburg Cemetery

https://friendsofcoburgcemetery.com/
A small band of people with a common interest in local history and the preservation, conservation and appreciation of Coburg Cemetery (which is located in the City of Darebin). Visit their website for information including maps and plans, stories from cemetery's history, and biographies of notable people buried in the cemetery.

Find a Grave

https://www.findagrave.com/

Ryerson Index (death notices)

https://www.ryersonindex.org/