Key resources for local history research
From SLNSW
The resources used to answer local history questions will vary dramatically depending on the question asked. Other variables may include whether the information needed was ever recorded, and whether that information has survived in a library (hopefully your library) collection. Some key resources used include (but are not limited to):
- Published works on local indigenous history; church history; school history; theatre history; transport history; suburb history; biographies of prominent local people etc.
- Cemetery lists and transcripts
- Electoral rolls
- Local newspapers, containing news stories; birth and death notices; obituaries; photographs; sports results, etc.
- Birth, death and marriage indexes (online and microfiche)
- Funeral directors records
- Probate records
- Business and telephone directories
- Court records
- Council rate books and minute books; valuation records; building applications/business registers/health registers
- Ephemera, which is a broad range of everyday documents intended for one-time or short-term use eg election pamphlets.
- Photographs
- Maps, especially parish map (showing the names of early settlers) and land subdivision maps
- Aerial photographs
- Heritage building and site reports
- Tourist and other published guides
- Archives of local organizations
- Local historians and Historical Societies
- Oral histories
- Long term residents
- Council officers
- Resources in other libraries and archives e.g. NSW school archives at State Records
Exercises
- Collect 3 examples of ephemera from your area and discuss adding to your own collection with your Local Studies specialist.
- How does your library store and preserve ephemera, how is access to it provided?
