After further digging, it was discovered that the visitor and Colin were distantly related, hailing from the Queanbeyan area where the church was situated, with both branches of the family probably crossing paths numerous times over the last century.
It’s discoveries such as these that have kept the Darmodys involved with the group and they enjoy nothing better than helping other families explore their connections to the past.
“Whether you would like to start your family history, or are a long-term genealogist who has gotten stuck, we can help you using the resources of Cumberland Library Service’s Family History and Local History collections,” Barbara said
“Please bring copies of any information you already have on your relatives, as this will help our volunteers point you in the right direction.”
This free service operates on the second Monday of the month, except in January and June, 10am-12pm, in the Tony Maston Room at Merrylands Library.
You can also view the Cumberland Family History Collection, comprising a range of printed material and digital items of interest for genealogical research, at Auburn Library.
The collections include guides, general and thematic histories, pioneer registers, cemetery publications, newspapers and records to assist in researching family history sourced from electoral rolls, local historical material, street directories, newsletters and other resources on microfilm, microfiche or CD-ROM such as convict records, shipping records and Sands Directories.
More info: cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
