Historical research is at your fingertips

NOW is the time to start looking into the history of your ancestors, your house, your street and the city itself.

The Ballarat Research Hub at Eureka has unfortunately had to close its doors temporarily due to COVID-19, but still boasts an impressive range of online databases and resources for budding researchers to take advantage of.

Australiana research librarian Simon Jacks has also been assisting with basic local and family history enquiries for over a month following BRHAE’s closing.

Mr Jacks has been a librarian with the City of Ballarat for 23 years and has enjoyed providing research assistance during this time.

“Many people are stuck at home and they need a sense of purpose. Online historical research is a great way to stay busy and engage with others,” he said.

Most people reaching out to Mr Jacks have been seeking guidance with their own family research, however some have been looking to inform the fiction and non-fiction books they are writing.

While hard copy collections of information are unavailable at this time, the online research tools are available and accessible.

“Our focus is now on giving people access to digitised information where possible and providing research support,” Mr Jacks said.

BRHAE brings together the services of its three partners: Public Record Office Victoria’s Ballarat Archives Centre, the Ballarat and District Genealogical Society and the City of Ballarat’s Australiana Research Collection.

To research local and family history, send enquiries to [email protected], or search the Ballarat Archive Centre from the Public Record Office Victoria catalogue at prov.vic.gov.au.