Frequently Asked Questions · Berrima District Historical Society

What does the Society collect?: The Society preserves photographs, documents, books and other records of the Southern Highlands, its people and places. Explore the collections and browse town and village histories.
How do I start researching my family?: Begin with what you know, record your sources and work backwards one generation at a time. Our family history guide suggests records and places to look.
How can I research a house or building?: Start with the address, lot and plan details, then compare land titles, maps, newspapers and photographs. Follow our house history guide for practical steps.
Can the Society research a question for me?: Yes. The Society can undertake professional research at $40 per hour. Email [email protected] or call (02) 4872 2169 to discuss your question and request a quote.
Where can I find historic photographs?: Search the online Image Library or explore a selection on our photographs page. High resolution copies of many images can be purchased through the Image Library; contact the archives for help.
Can I browse past newsletters?: Yes. Browse the newsletter archive for issue contents and links to the original newsletters.
How do I search the research library?: Use the Max Rogers Research Library catalogue to find titles and shelf references, then contact the research centre about visiting or access.
Where are the museum and research centre?: The museum is at 1a Market Place, corner Bryan Street, Berrima NSW. The research centre is at Wingecarribee Shire Council Civic Centre, 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577. See Visit Us for contact and visiting information.
How do I join the Society?: Visit Membership for information about joining and contact details.
How can I suggest a correction or share a story?: Email [email protected] with the page, the suggested correction and any sources or context that may help.
Which places does the Society cover?: The collections cover the Southern Highlands and surrounding areas. Browse the towns, villages and localities and the Aboriginal Heritage page.
What are the opening hours?: The Research Centre is open Monday and Tuesday 10am-4pm; Saturday 10am-1pm. The museum is open Friday-Sunday, 10am-3pm. Check Visit Us for closures and contact details.
Do I need to book a research visit?: Contact the Research Centre before visiting if you need a particular item, help with access, or have a detailed enquiry. Staff can advise on current arrangements.
Can groups visit the museum?: The museum welcomes groups by arrangement. Call (02) 4877 1130 to discuss the group, availability and current charges.
Can schools visit the museum?: School visits can be discussed with the museum. Call (02) 4877 1130 about class needs, availability and arrangements.
Is the museum accessible?: The museum is on one level and is air-conditioned. Contact the museum before visiting to discuss particular access needs.
What should I bring to the Research Centre?: Bring your research question, names and dates you already know, and references or copies of records you have checked.
How do I ask for a research quote?: Send the archives your question, relevant names, places and dates, and what you already know. The Society can discuss the work and provide a quote before research begins.
What if I do not know much about my family?: Start with yourself and information known to relatives, then work backwards. Dates, places and alternative spellings are useful clues, even when approximate.
Where can I find births, deaths and marriages?: Australian records are held by the relevant state or territory registry. Our family history guide links to useful starting points.
Can I research a relative who served in the military?: Yes. Service records, memorials, newspapers and cemetery records can all help. Start with our military and cemeteries guide.
Can I research a convict ancestor?: Yes. Begin with the person’s name and any known dates, then compare transportation, court and colonial records. See the convict research guide.
Can DNA help with family history?: DNA matches can suggest connections, but they should be interpreted with documentary evidence and care for living people’s privacy. See our DNA guide.
How can I trace a property’s owners?: Historical titles, deeds and land records can identify transactions; maps and newspapers may add context. See our house history guide.
Where can I find historic maps?: Explore the historic maps collection and follow links to the holding institutions and original records.
Can I search school records?: The school records section includes finding aids and transcripts. Follow the links to the original sources and check entries carefully.
How do I search the site?: Use Search for a person, place or subject. Try alternative spellings and check the linked original when you find a result.
Why can I not find a name or place?: The record may not be digitised, indexed or held here, and names may have been recorded differently. Try variations and contact the archives for assistance.
Are all Society records online?: No. The website presents selected material and finding aids. Contact the Research Centre to ask about other holdings and access.
Can I buy a photograph?: High resolution digital copies of many images can be purchased through the online Image Library. Contact the archives if you need help locating an image.
Can I reuse a photograph or document?: Rights and permission depend on the item. Check its source and terms and image use, and ask the Society or relevant rights holder before reuse.
Can I download a newsletter?: Open an issue in the newsletter archive and follow its link to the original PDF. Your browser can display or save it.
How do I find a story in a newsletter?: Browse issue contents or search for a name, place or topic. Open the original issue to read the article and check the page reference.
Can I donate photographs or records?: Contact the archives to discuss the material, its history and whether it fits the collection before bringing or sending it.
Can I volunteer?: Contact the Society through the About page to discuss current opportunities and how your interests might help.
Where can I find talks and meetings?: See Events for the current listings and check each event for location, audience and booking details.
Where can I buy Society publications?: Explore Books and publications and the Society’s online shop; contact the Society about availability.
What do the source numbers mean?: A raised number links to an entry in the page’s Sources list. Follow the source link to examine the referenced material.
How should I cite something I find here?: Record the page title, Society name, page address and date accessed. Where possible, also cite the original record or publication linked in the Sources list.
Who should I contact about the website?: Email [email protected] with the page address and a description of your question or problem.