Descent (journal)

The Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG) is an Australian-based non-profit organisation whose principal objective is the advancement of

genealogical Genealogy () is the study of families, family history, and the tracing of their lineages. Genealogists use oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kin ...

education.^{/sup> The SAG is the oldest family history society in Australia and holds the largest genealogical archives and research library in the country. The head office, archives and research library are located in Sydney

Sydney is the capital city of the States and territories of Australia, state of New South Wales and the List of cities in Australia by population, most populous city in Australia. Located on Australia's east coast, the metropolis surrounds Syd ...
, New South Wales

New South Wales (commonly abbreviated as NSW) is a States and territories of Australia, state on the Eastern states of Australia, east coast of :Australia. It borders Queensland to the north, Victoria (state), Victoria to the south, and South ...
, Australia

Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
. The society membership numbers nearly 4,000 members world-wide.

History

In August 1932 it was decided at a well-attended meeting of persons interested in family history to form a Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG). The SAG committee would meet in the Assembly Room of the Education Building in Loftus Street, Sydney. The main objective of the founding members was to form a genealogical research library to collect and preserve the history of the pioneering families of Australia. The SAG also planned to publish a small quarterly magazine covering the activities of the society and other items of interest. The society's first journal, ''The Australian Genealogist'', was published from January 1933 until it was forced to cease publication in 1959 through lack of resources.Society of Australian Genealogists website
The SAG is the oldest family history society in Australia, assisting genealogists and family historians in tracing their ancestors for over 80 years.

Facilities

The SAG's Manuscript and Image Collection is held in the archives at Richmond Villa, 120 Kent Street, Sydney

Kent Street is a street in Sydney, Australia. Originally named Soldiers Back Row, it was renamed Kent Street after the Duke of Kent.

Kent Street runs south–north from Liverpool Street in the Sydney central business district

The Sydney ce ...
. The Manuscript and Image Collection features over 28,000 files containing family papers, pedigrees, photographs, certificates, unpublished research notes, other documents and memorabilia from Australia and overseas, donated by members and their families.Society of Australian Genealogists website
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The SAG Library is a genealogical reference and research library with an online searchable catalogue. The library is located at 2/379 Kent Street, Sydney and is open to members and non-members. The library contains a large number of published genealogical material including genealogical books, journals, microfilms, CDs and it also provides online access to the major commercial genealogical websites.

The society is managed by an executive officer and staff under the guidance of a board of directors.

Activities

The principal objective of the SAG is to advance genealogical education. To accomplish this, the society provides a comprehensive educational program, publishes an informative journal and creates a variety of networking opportunities for its members.

The SAG educational program includes seminars, lectures, workshops, discussion groups, and webinars. These program items are designed to promote genealogical skill development, establish high standards of genealogical research, and increase awareness of and interest in family history.

The society's current journal, ''Descent'', was first published in January 1961 and has been published quarterly ever since. The ''Descent'' journal is full of informative genealogical information, including articles on family history in Australia and overseas, local history, research strategies and resources.

The Society runs an annual biography writing competition: The Croker Prize, named for two long-standing members. Winners are published in ''Descent'' and receive a cash prize. Biography subjects include both common and famous ancestors, such as Raymond Moulton O'Brien.

It is a member of the Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations.

Notable members

Notable members include:

* Carol Baxter (Fellow)
* Nick Vine Hall

Nicholas John Vine Hall AM (17 August 194431 October 2006), generally known as Nick Vine Hall, was a recognised Australian authority in the fields of family history, genealogy and heraldry, and an enthusiastic champion of family history research ...
(Life Member)
* Lionel Gilbert (Fellow)
* Michelle Nichols, OAM

Publications

Throughout its history, the Society has published or contributed to a series of works, including:

* ''Tracing Your Family History Online for Dummies'' (2003-2007) 7 editions
* ''Rookwood Cemetery Transcriptions'' (2002)
* ''Society of Australian Genealogists: 1932 - 1982: Golden Jubilee History'' (1982)

References

External links

www.sag.org.au

{{DEFAULTSORT:Society Of Australian Genealogists
Genealogical societies
Society of Australian Genealogists
Organizations established in 1932
Historical societies of Australia}