Heritage day to make family trees bloom

In the wake of Anzac Day, the Bunbury Historical Society will be hosting a family heritage day to help give people the tools to trace their lineage.

Set to be held at the King Cottage Museum on May 14, the event will be run by local family historian Pamela Griffiths.

“I have had several people talk to me about family history,” she said.

“It’s very sad when some people don’t even know who their grandparents are or have no idea what their last names were.

“What we’re trying to do is get people to start doing their family tree while their grandparents are alive, because its too late once they’re gone.”

Those looking to attend the heritage day have been asked to register their interest online and after doing so, will be sent a five generation chart to complete as best as they can before the day.

Mrs Griffiths will then show people how to fill the gaps and how to access the national military archives or other relevant records.

Society member Tyril Houghton emphasised the importance of the timing of this event and its link to Anzac Day.

“The aim is to enable people with an interest in their family history and wanting to work out their family tree to develop the skills to do so,” she said.

“Particularly linking with Anzac Day, people become interested in grandfather, great-grandfather, the ‘who did what’.”

According to Mrs Griffiiths, the national archives and lineage networks are more than just a chance to connect dots on your family tree, but rather a chance to discover intricate details of ancestors, including eye and hair colour, distinguishing marks and handwriting style.