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Local History

Bunting

Local History

Wanting to trace your family tree? Perhaps you are interested in the history of towns in the Somerset Regional Council Local Government Area? Dating back to 1856, our local history collection might be able to offer some assistance.

Picture Somerset

Start your journey into local history by taking a look at our Picture Somerset collection. Featured collections include:

  • Somerset Dam
  • Toogoolawah Condensery (previously known as the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Factory and the Nestle Condensery)
  • Brisbane Valley rail line
  • Somerset Faces

Digitising of the photograph collection is ongoing. If you have more information about any items in this collection, or have items you wish us to consider for addition to the collection, please contact us.

Indigenous Australians are advised that Picture Somerset may include images or names of people now deceased.

Local History Collection

Through its local history collection, Somerset Libraries aims to preserve and promote the history and culture of the region. History is a special part of libraries. Items are often rare, sometimes even unique, and are kept for the enjoyment of current library and future generations.

The Local History Collection is a compilation of resources reflecting the history of Somerset. The focus is on printed, published and paper-based material specifically relating to the history of Somerset. The collection is located at Council’s Esk Library.

Ancestry Library Edition

Ancestry Library Edition

Delving into genealogy research? Ancestry is a fantastic place to start, with over 1.5 billion names listed in more than 4000 databases, all accessible in one convenient place.

Types of records available include census data, military records, court and land records, church records, directories and passenger lists.

The good news is that you can search these records for free by logging into Ancestry Library Edition on any of our Library computers.

 

Where Do I Start?

Though you might be interested in researching your family tree, the process can seem overwhelming. We get it. That’s why we have compiled a few useful tips and tricks to help get you started.

Local history family tree. Decide, explore, research, organise, start again

Though our library staff can’t do the research for you, we can assist you in the process of getting started. Contact us today. 

Further Research

The following websites and databases may assist you on your genealogy journey. Best of luck.

Australian Cemeteries W3.CSS

Australian Cemeteries

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Australian Cemeteries

Search by surname or cemetery name to find transcripts of the gravesites as they appear onsite across cemeteries from all State and Territories of Australia.

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Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) W3.CSS

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

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Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

More than 40 fact sheets aid in tracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. Includes information about the Stolen Generations and barriers to conducting research.

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Births, Deaths and Marriages W3.CSS

Births, Deaths and Marriages

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Births, Deaths and Marriages

Responsibility for birth, death and marriage records reside with state and territory governments in Australia. Through the database you will be able to conduct family history research and even order copies of historical registrations.

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Commonwealth War Graves Commission W3.CSS

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Ensuring their legacy lives on, this register lists those who lost their lives fighting in the First and Second World Wars.

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John Oxley Library W3.CSS

John Oxley Library

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John Oxley Library

Including original manuscripts, diaries, artworks, photos, maps and more, the John Oxley Library documents the history of life in Queensland.

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Queensland State Archives W3.CSS

Queensland State Archives

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Queensland State Archives

With links to the State Archives collections, the Queensland Government also provides users with research guides, tips to help get started and information on recordkeeping. The State Archives include resources on family history, immigration, schools, hospitals, orphanages, courts and government.

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Somerset Regional Council Cemetery Register W3.CSS

Somerset Regional Council - Cemetery Register

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Somerset Regional Council - Cemetery Register

This database allows you to search the official cemetery records of those buried in cemeteries operated by Somerset Regional Council. Where possible, records for non-Council operated cemeteries in the region are also included.

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Somerset Regional Council History and Profile W3.CSS

Somerset Regional Council - History and Profile

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Somerset Regional Council - History and Profile

Access this webpage for general history on the Somerset Regional Council area, including flora, fauna, past and present Councillors. Information is also available on the historical Esk, Kilcoy and Lowood Shires.

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Text Queensland W3.CSS

Text Queensland

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Text Queensland

Text Queensland is a unique and dynamic collection of full-text, searchable, digitised sources on Queensland colonial and state history.

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Trove National Library of Australia W3.CSS

Trove - National Library of Australia

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Trove - National Library of Australia

Bringing together content from libraries, galleries, archives and museums, Trove is a home to a growing full text depository of online resources relating to Australia: books, images, historic newspapers, maps, music, archives and more.

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Somerset Remembers

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Somerset Remembers