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.
Welcome to Somerset Stories
Somerset Stories is a space dedicated to capturing and sharing the history, heritage, and stories of the Somerset region. Here you’ll find easy online access to a wealth of heritage material about Somerset’s people, places, and events.
Somerset Libraries is always keen to expand our collection. If you have photographs, maps, brochures, ephemera, or archives related to the region that you’d like to donate, please get in touch at mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Visit Somerset Stories
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
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.
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
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.
Continue to Australian Cemeteries
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.
Continue to AIATSIS
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Responsibility for birth, death and marriage records reside with state and territory governments in Australia. Follow the links to State and Territory Registry offices and to their freely accessible online indexes, where available. In these indexes you will be able to conduct family history research and even order copies of historical registrations
Continue to the BDM records
John Oxley Library
Including original manuscripts, diaries, artworks, photos, maps and more, the John Oxley Library documents the history of life in Queensland.
Continue to John Oxley Library
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.
Continue to Queensland State Archives
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.
Continue to Cemetery Register
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.
Continue to History and Profile
Text Queensland
Text Queensland is a unique and dynamic collection of full-text, searchable, digitised sources on Queensland colonial and state history.
Continue to Text Queensland
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.
Continue to Trove