
"Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen.
You are the result of the love of thousands." - by Linda Hogan
GROUP WORKSHOP 1
STARTING A FAMILY TREE
Available in Sydney (Lower North Shore) and Melbourne (CBD)
Whether you're completely new to family history or have collected information over the years but don't know where to begin, this hands-on workshop will give you the confidence and skills to start researching your ancestors successfully.
Unlike a lecture or traditional course, this is an interactive workshop with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring everyone receives plenty of individual guidance and support throughout the session.
What you'll learn
During the workshop you'll learn how to:
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Set up and organise your family tree online.
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Digitise the information and documents you already have.
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Upload and organise family photographs.
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Invite family members to collaborate on your tree.
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Master the essential features of Ancestry.com or MyHeritage.*
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Search historical records effectively.
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Understand hints, record matches, and suggested relatives.
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Assess and verify information before adding it to your tree.
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Extend your research beyond the first few generations.
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Discover valuable free and subscription genealogy resources, including FamilySearch, Find a Grave, GEDmatch, Geni, and Familia.
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Create attractive family tree charts and pedigree diagrams.
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Gain an introduction to genetic genealogy, including the basics of DNA testing and how DNA can complement traditional documentary research.
By the end of the workshop you'll have the knowledge and confidence to continue researching your family history independently and make the most of the many resources available online.
In-person Workshop
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Maximum of 8 participants
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Duration: 3 hours
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From $160 per person
Live Online Workshop (Zoom)
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Maximum of 6 participants
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Duration: 2 hours
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From $120 per person
* Please note: Each workshop focuses on either Ancestry.com or MyHeritage, allowing participants to become familiar with the platform they intend to use. Please refer to the workshop schedule when booking.
GROUP WORKSHOP 2
MAKING SENSE OF DNA RESULTS
Available in Sydney (Lower North Shore) and Melbourne (CBD), or live online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams
Have you taken a DNA test but aren't sure what all the results mean?
This practical, hands-on workshop will help you understand your DNA matches, ethnicity estimates, and the science behind genetic genealogy. Whether you've tested with AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, or another major testing company, you'll learn how to interpret your results with confidence and use them effectively in your family history research.
Unlike a lecture or traditional course, this is an interactive workshop with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring everyone receives personalised guidance and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
During the workshop you'll learn how to:
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Understand what a DNA test can—and cannot—tell you about your family history.
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Interpret your ethnicity estimate and understand how these estimates are calculated.
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Read and understand your DNA match list.
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Learn the essential principles of DNA matching and shared DNA.
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Identify your most significant DNA matches and understand how they may be related to you.
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Use relationship probabilities to evaluate possible family connections.
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Understand the effects of endogamy and pedigree collapse, and why they can complicate DNA analysis in some populations.
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Explore practical strategies for investigating unexpected DNA results.
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Learn how DNA evidence complements traditional documentary family history research.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have a much clearer understanding of your DNA results and the confidence to use them as a valuable tool in uncovering your family's story.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is ideal for anyone who has already taken a consumer DNA test and would like to better understand the results. No scientific background is required—concepts are explained in clear, straightforward language suitable for beginners.
In-person Workshop
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Maximum of 8 participants
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Duration: 3 hours
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From $170 per person
Live Online Workshop (Zoom or Microsoft Teams)
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Maximum of 6 participants
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Duration: 2 hours
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From $130 per person
GROUP WORKSHOP 3
GROWING YOUR FAMILY TREE
FOR INTERMEDIATE USERS OF ANCESTRY AND MYHERITAGE
Finding relatives beyond matches and hints
Working with multiple databases,
Switching .ged files between platforms to harvest matches and hints
Working with smaller DNA matches
Delivery mode and Pricing:
Workshop max. 8 persons, 3 hours starting at $240
via Zoom max. 6 persons, 2 hours starting at $170
Workshop dates Sydney (click on the dropdown menu to see dates)
GROUP WORKSHOP 4
UNDERSTANDING DNA REPORTS, WORKING WITH SMALL DNA MATCHES, GEDMATCH
Comin soon
Expressions of interest welcome, please contact us
GROUP WORKSHOP
LEARN HOW TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY TREE
Coming soon
Expressions of interest welcome, please contact us
GROUP WORKSHOP
TRACING BRITISH AND CONTINENTAL NOBLE & ROYAL CONNECTIONS & LINEAGES
Coming soon
Expressions of interest welcome, please contact us
FAQ
Can I change my date if I'm unable to make it at the booked time?
Yes. You can reschedule your booking as often as you need up until the day before your workshop without any penalty. We understand that plans can change, and we'll do our best to accommodate your preferred alternative date, subject to availability.
Do you do all the research for me?
No. My goal is to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to research your own family history successfully. There is nothing quite like the excitement of uncovering an ancestor's story, solving a family mystery, or finding records you never knew existed. I'll guide you every step of the way, while teaching you the techniques that will allow you to continue making discoveries long after the workshop has finished.
The purpose of the workshops is to help you become confident in researching your own family history.
Rather than simply giving you answers, I'll teach you how to use genealogical records, online databases, archives, and research techniques so you can continue making discoveries long after the workshop has finished.
Of course, you'll receive guidance, practical assistance, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions whenever you need help. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to research your own family history successfully.
When is payment due and which payment methods do you accept?
Payment is required at the time of registration to secure your place.
Once you register, you'll receive a secure payment link offering several payment options, including major credit cards and PayPal. Your booking is confirmed once payment has been received.
Can I get a refund if I can't make it but haven't cancelled by the day before?
Refunds are available for cancellations made up to 48 hours before the workshop.
Unfortunately, cancellations made within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable, as your place has been reserved specifically for you. If you're unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible—we'll always try to help where we can.
Is parking available at the workshop venue?
Parking is available at most workshop venues.
As parking arrangements vary from location to location, we recommend checking with us before your workshop if parking is important to you. We'll be happy to provide details about parking options or nearby public transport.
Are drinks provided or available?
Yes. Complimentary tea, coffee, and light refreshments are available during each workshop.
You're also welcome to bring your own water bottle or any snacks you may prefer.
Can I bring a pet or a child with me?
To ensure a comfortable learning environment for everyone, workshops are intended for registered participants only.
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted due to venue policies, hygiene requirements, and consideration for participants with allergies. Assistance animals are, of course, welcome where required.
If you need to discuss exceptional circumstances regarding children or a support person attending, please contact us before booking, and we'll do our best to assist.
Do I need to bring a laptop?
If the workshop involves online research, bringing a laptop is recommended so you can follow along and practise the techniques being demonstrated.
If you don't have a laptop, please let us know before the workshop. Depending on the session, there may be alternative arrangements.
I'm a complete beginner. Is this workshop suitable for me?
Absolutely! Many participants are just starting their family history journey.
The workshops are designed to be welcoming and easy to follow, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. No prior genealogy experience is required.
What should I bring to the workshop?
If possible, bring any family information you already have, such as names, dates, certificates, photographs, or family trees. These can help you get the most from the practical research exercises.
A notebook, pen, and (where applicable) your laptop are also recommended.
How many people attend each workshop?
To ensure everyone receives individual guidance and has plenty of opportunities to ask questions, workshop numbers are intentionally kept small.
Small group sizes create a relaxed, friendly learning environment where you'll receive personalised assistance throughout the session, whether you're just beginning your family history journey or looking to overcome a specific research challenge.
As places are limited, early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
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