Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc.

Information Sources

The main sources of data needed to fill in your forms and charts are shown below. This information is included in the Pdf pamphlet downloadable from our Starting Out page. 

Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates

You will probably have some of your own, possibly some of your parents' and even your grandparents' certificates. They will vary in the amount of information they contain depending on where and when the event was registered.

In Australian States registration started around 1850, England and Wales in 1837, and later in other parts of the British Isles. Details of what you can expect to find on certificates and information on Civil Registration commencement dates in Australia and overseas countries are available in the WAGS Library.

For some places there are indexes on microfiche, microfilm or CD, which you can access to ensure that you are requesting the right certificate. Some Registry Offices reduce the price if you can quote the Index Number. For information on where these indexes are held, the cost of certificates, and addresses to which to send your request, contact WAGS Library, either in person or by phone.

When purchasing a certificate always request a "Full Certificate", not an "Extract". Don't be surprised at minor discrepancies in ages or in the spelling of names. The information recorded is only as accurate as the knowledge of the person who supplied it. Always check to see who the informant was.

You can find out where to obtain certificates for Australian States on our Genealogy Links page, look under the Birth, Marriage & Death Category, and then for the State you are interested in.

Information from Relatives and Family Friends

These people can often provide you with information on your family and may even have photographs, family Bibles, letters, diaries, newspaper cuttings of births, marriage and death notices, obituaries, social notes, accident reports, and the like.

Interview these people personally if possible, otherwise write to them. It is a good idea to offer them some of your knowledge of the family first, to break the ice. Have a look at some of the literature available on basic interviewing techniques before your visit. Take notes while you are there, and ask if they would agree to you taping the interview, and offer them a copy of the written notes from the interview.

Cemetery Records and Monumental Inscriptions

Many of these have been transcribed and are available in microfilm, microfiche, CD and book form.

Enquire at the WAGS Library, as we have a large collection.

What Next?

When you have documented all this newly gathered information, and proved what you can, you are ready to find out about the wealth of other information that is available locally to help you continue your research.

We recommend that you attend one of the many Education Courses that the Society offers. These are designed to cover the various stages of your genealogy research, there is something for everyone. Come along and learn.

Our Lunchtime Discussions (Help Your Self Chats) are also a great way to find out more from like minded people.  

Course details, times and venues are also shown in the WAGS journal, Western Ancestor, and they can also be obtained from the front desk at the WAGS Library.

You will find additional tips on our Research STEPPS page.