Victorian cemetery records on Ancestry

I was thrilled to learn that there is more Australian content on Ancestry, our online database for family history researchers. This will also be of interest to local historians. The latest offering is

Victoria, Australia Rural Cemetery Records, 1836-1988
This database contains headstone transcriptions from several cemeteries in rural Victoria and a few cemeteries in New South Wales. Records cover death dates of 1836-1988. Information listed in this database includes: name of deceased, age at time of death, death date, burial date, name of cemetery buried in, and state in which the cemetery is located.
This database was obtained from the Australian Institute of Genealogy Studies (AIGS). Information listed in it includes:
Name of deceased
Age at time of death
Estimated birth year (calculated from death year and age)
Death date
Burial date
Name of cemetery
State in which the cemetery is located
AIGS source reference
One of the other things this database lists is whether there is any additional information available on the original transcription. If there is, this additional information may be obtained by personal research at the AIGS library (which is free for members) or by writing to the Institute and having someone look it up for you (a fee will be charged). Written inquiries may be sent to:
Australian Institute of Genealogy Studies P.O. Box 339 Blackburn Vic 3130
e-mail: info@aigs.org.au
The source reference field will help you to know how to locate the original transcription at the library. A “M-[number]” reference means that the transcription can be found on microfiche and the microfiche number is the number listed in the reference. A “Card” reference means that any additional information is available on a card index. Both the microfiche and card index can be accessed at the AIGS library.
In addition, individual cemeteries may have more information or related records.
Cemeteries not included in this database are Melbourne General, Springvale, Fawkner, and St. Kilda cemeteries.

Ancestry can be accessed via the YPRL website on every computer in every branch library.

New in the Local history collections

Eltham library
Kangaroo Ground War memorial Park and Tower of Remembrance Concept Plan
Ivanhoe Library
1st Eaglemont Scout Group: the first fifty years 1956-2006

Opening of Viewing Platform at Kangaroo Ground

The opening of the new viewing platform will take place Thursday April 17 at 12 noon. The function of the platform is to provide shelter adjacent to the War Memorial Tower, whilst allowing people to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. The platform has been given the name Moor-ril, a name which descibes the fertile soils of the Kangaroo Ground area.
The platform includes interpretative panels describing the Aboriginal and European history of the area, the geology, and local flora and fauna of the area.
The Park was opened in 1921 and the Tower of Remembrance was dedicated in 1926 recognising the local people who served in the First World War. Veterans of other wars have since also been commemorated.
- Abridged from "Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter March 2007

Yarra Plenty Region Heritage Forum

The first Heritage Forum for 2008 was hosted recently by Heidelberg Historical Society. A successful morning had 15 participants from the Region attend a demonstration of the various databases which the Society use to access their vast collection. These databases include photographs, maps, newspaper index, unbound archives and properties.

Heidelberg Bus Tour

A Tour of Mount Eagle and the hidden reserves; the vision of W. B. Griffin will take place on Sunday 16 March 2.00 - 5.00 pm.

Tour starts at the Heidelberg Historical Society, Court House Musem, Cnr Jika Jika Streets and Park Lane, Heidelberg.

The tour will begin with an informative talk on the early history of Mount Eagle and the Hidden Reserves by Peter Williams, followed by the bus tour of Glenard Estate.

Fee of $15 includes afternoon tea at the Old England Hotel.

Bookings and enquries to Bronwyn Pike Phone 9499 1678