ABOUT US

In 1991 enthusiasts of genealogy and family history established a research base in the Rockingham Museum. The Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc., based in Bayswater, required a minimum of 25 people to form a regional Branch; the group in Rockingham and districts provided 45 members when it was constituted as the ninth Branch of WAGS on 1 December 1992. When WAGS restructured its organisation in 2000, it lopped off its branches allowing us to become an independent society; the Family History Society of Rockingham & Districts Inc. was incorporated as of 1 April 2000.

Society Milestones

20 Jul 1991First meeting of Rockingham genealogical enthusiasts
1 Feb 1992Formation of Rockingham District Genealogy Group and Interim Committee
1 Dec 1992Rockingham Branch of Western Australian Genealogical Society Inc. constituted
6 Feb 1992Inaugural Annual General Meeting, Rockingham Branch and Election of Officers
1 Aug 1994Moved Library resources from Rockingham Museum into Lotteries House
Jul 1995First edition of Between the Lines, quarterly newsletter
2 Aug 1995First Genealogy for Beginners’ Course conducted at Rockingham TAFE
2 Dec 1995First Members’ Interests Directory published
12 Feb 1996Acquisition of first computer for the Library
29 Sep 1996WAGS Country Branch Conference hosted by Rockingham Branch
7 Dec 1996Purchased St Catherine’s Death Index
1 Jan 1997Library Sub-Committee formed
May 1997First Library Catalogue generated
Jul 1997Early Schools Records Project commenced
8 Sep 1997Branch testimony – Parliamentary Inquiry into the Retention of the Census
Nov 1997First Library Volunteers Workshop
3 Jan 1998Launch of the Travelling Road Show (mobile display material)
1 Apr 2000Family History Society of Rockingham & Districts Inc. established
Jul 2000Society’s first website established (Schools Project)
12 Jul 2003WAGS Affiliates Conference hosted by Rockingham Society
Mar 2006London, Australia and Ireland Special Interest Groups formed
6 Apr 2006First Strategic Plan implemented
1 May 2007Internet launched in the Library
30 Sep 2009Library Sub-Committee suspended
26 Jan 2012Awarded the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award
1 Apr 2012New Website launched
14 -15 Sep 2012WAGS Affiliates Conference hosted by Rockingham Society
15 Dec 2012Rockingham & Districts Schools Record Project data went online at ancestry.com