If you've ever wondered where your sister got her rebellious nature or why no one ever mentions your great uncle Albert, perhaps you should look into your family history in the
State Records of South Australia. Housing a range of records and archives which give an interesting look into both local and family histories of South Australia.
Adelaide in 1839
Why Should I Look For Records?
State Records have a horde of interesting information that can be useful for a number of reasons. Anyone wanting to know more about their family history and possible relatives, should start here. It can also be a wealth of information for novelists, filmmakers or teachers wanting an insight to particular people or periods in Adelaide's past. For anyone whose family has been split due to adoption, marriage break-ups or for any other reason, family histories can be pieced back together. You can discover things about your family that you would have never known.
What Sorts of Records Could I Find?
Basically any state records are held here. This includes things like births, deaths, marriages and crimes. These can help you piece together family histories or work out where family trails go cold. Immigration and migration records can help you trace when family members moved to Australia, or where you ancestors originally came from. Find out if a relative was a public employee like a police officer or a teacher, or read the coroners report for their death. Records come in the form of maps, plans, letters, audiotapes, videotapes, films, photographs and microfilm.
Adelaide Town Hall in 1950
Where Do I Start?
Sorting through the public records can be a very daunting task, thankfully the people who work at State Records will be able to help you out with this. You can start by browsing through catalogues, publications and indexes. The staff there will be able to show you the best place to start and help you understand the records a bit more. Just pop in there and ask one of them for some help, they'll get you on the right path in no time.
What Else is On Offer?
State Records also will always have an exhibition on show, this will focus on one part of Adelaide's history. This is a good way for people to take a look at the history on show, without needing a particular reason to start looking. You can also get the experience the historical building that these records are housed in. The Leigh Street building has a rich history as the Bickfords North Building, and joins many other historical buildings on
Leigh Street.
This is a rich source of information and filled with records relevant to any South Australian. If your family has a long history in the state, and will fill countless records or you are first generation South Australian and want to find out more about the state, then this is the place to start. These records could lead you to find out so much more about your own history.
State Records Opening Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Friday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
