SWAN Hill Genealogical and Historical Society will mark its 40th birthday on September 15 with an event to celebrate all that has been achieved in that time.
President Leone Walbran said the group had made a significant contribution to preserving the region’s history in 40 years.
“We have had a number of homes over the years but currently have a room open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Swan Hill Library,” Ms Walbran said.
“The room has a substantial collection of resources on Swan Hill and district, regional and state history, as well as many genealogical magazines, files, films, micro fiche and computer records.
“We welcome visitors to our room during opening hours as well as enquiries received by email or phone.
“Over the years many interesting and varied guest speakers have attended our meetings and the group has been instrumental in the compiling and continual updating of Swan Hill Cemetery records.
“There have been a number of local cemetery tours and also tours of local businesses, mainly in conjunction with Pioneer weeks.”
Other highlights include the production of a Pioneer Register of approximately 200 pioneers in 1988, a Family History Workshop run in 2000 and the float put together by the group on the back of a Pickering truck for the Centenary of Federation Celebration in 2001.
Digitising of the local Guardian newspaper is an ongoing project, as is the collection of information on the many local community groups which have existed in the past or continue to have a role.
A Sporting Heroes Exhibition was held in 2006 and the group was involved in the Burke and Wills 150th celebration and in the unveiling of a plaque for Charley Gray at the James Belsar Reserve in 2011.
The society will celebrate its milestone on Sunday September 15 at the Hub, Swan Hill Racecourse Bowls Club, at noon.
There will be a two-course meal, guest speaker Joy Roy speaking on Scottish witchcraft and superstitions and the cutting of a 40th-birthday cake.
“We are hoping to have many former members, current members and visitors join us for this occasion,” Ms Walbran said.
Bookings and payment for the meal are required by September 5.
Contact Rhonice on 0417 106 644 or Jan on 0419 536 970 to book.
