Everyone has  a history. We could have some of yours.

To encourage more Australians to unearth personal treasures, the National Archives is hosting a Shake Your Family Tree day in each of our capital city offices.

We have information in our vast collection about many Australian families – possibly your own. If members of your family migrated here in the 20th century, served in the defence forces, or worked for, or had any other dealings with, the Australian Government, we’re likely to have something to interest you.

Each Archives office will offer a range of activities including talks, preservation workshops, demonstrations and introductory research training. With expert family historians on hand, visitors will learn how to locate treasures such as letters, photographs, service records, immigration and citizenship applications, employment records, copyright registrations and other government records.

A highlight of this year’s open day is the launch of our new book Keeping Family Treasures, which gives tips on how to preserve your family’s heritage while taking a peek at what other Australians treasure.

Changes to Reading Room hours on 23 February 2010