Delve into your family history with Matamata-Piako Libaries this August!
Our online library resources include in-library access to Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online genealogy resource, and a crucial tool in the arsenal of any dedicated family tree hunter.
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“I had always promised myself that I would look at my family history when I retired, so the interest in genealogy has always been there. Also the fact that my paternal and maternal sides were from England and Scotland, making me want to find out about their lives,” Anne says. She belongs to a number of genealogy societies, including the Northern Ireland Family History Society, and is involved with projects associated with Family Tree DNA testing. Like many Ancestry users, she has made a number of surprising discoveries through her family history research. “I remember being so excited when I would find a census record or a Baptism record of my family. We had never imagined my grandfather was one of 13 children in Poplar, East London!” “The library has been a huge help to me, with access to Ancestry and the ability to print out records - there has always been help on hand,” Anne says. “I often used the library edition for USA and Canadian records, which I didn't have on my subscription a couple of years ago. The facility that I am most grateful for is the scanner. It is wonderful to be able to scan documents to my Australian and Canadian cousins!” |
Local Matamata resident and veteran Ancestry user Anne Stewart says the online resource has been invaluable in her quest to uncover the stories of her ancestors, and to share this information with her family members both at home and abroad.
Library members are able to access Ancestry free of charge, with no subscription necessary. And with a number of genealogy-based displays, resources and activities on offer throughout August, there has never been a better time for Matamata-Piako District residents curious about their ancestry to delve into their family history.
Our Family History month displays will include a family history “starter pack”, containing a tree template, suggested books, and other family history resources. We will also be hosting a family-themed Toddler Time session, a Stepping Up beginner’s class on using and accessing Ancestry.com, and a special presentation by the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogy at the Matamata and Te Aroha Libraries.
Dates and times for these Stepping Up Ancestry classes and presentations are below – also don’t forget to check out our online Family History resources.
Matamata Library - Stepping Up Ancestry class - Wednesday 10 August, 9.30-11.00am (register here)
Matamata Library - Presentation by the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Society– Thursday 18 August, 10:30am – 12:00pm (please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Matamata Library - Stepping Up Ancestry class - Wednesday 18 August, 2.00-3.30pm (register here)
Te Aroha Library - Stepping Up Ancestry class - Monday 22 August, 9.30-11.00am (register here)
Te Aroha Library - Presentation by the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Society– Wednesday 24 August, 10:30am – 12:00pm (please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)