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Online local and family history 

Local and family history is a fascinating and rewarding activity. Get free access to a range of specialist and unique online resources with your library membership. 

Most of these online resources are only available when using a library computer or when logged in to library Wi-Fi.

Not a library member? 

Join the library

Ancestry

Ancestry is the world’s largest online family history resource, providing access to more than 200 billion images and 7,000 unique databases. 

Log in for free at Ancestry Library Edition website using a library computer or while connected to the library Wi-Fi on your laptop or mobile device.

This is for use in the library only.

Findmypast

Findmypast is a subscription-based, family history database that has unique Australian records and partnerships with the British Library and the UK National Archives. 

Log in for free at the Findmypast website using a library computer or while connected to the library Wi-Fi on your laptop or mobile device.

This is for use in the library only.

The British Newspaper Archive

The British Library's collection of digitised, historical newspapers from Britain, Ireland and beyond spans the 1600s to the present day.

Log in for free at The British Newspaper Archive website using a library computer or while connected to the library Wi-Fi on your laptop or mobile device.

First-time users must sign up for a free account.

This is for use in the library only.

Photographs

We have an amazing collection of thousands of historical photographs, many of which are digitised.

Our collection includes photographs of people, events in Boroondara, buildings, streetscapes and the natural environment from the mid 1800s to the present day.

Search our photograph collection

Search tip: use the ‘refine’ button to narrow the search results and enter a keyword in the 'anywhere' field, or narrow the 'collection' field to local history.

Although the photographs in our collection are free to view, many are under copyright and you'll need permission to use or reproduce them.

Order or reproduce a photograph

Ask a librarian

Use our Ask a Librarian form if you need assistance accessing online family or local history resources. 

More to explore

Visit these pages for research tips and recommended reading:

History and heritage events

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