Sources for Researching ACT Family History

Vital Records 

Most commonly requested of all family history source materials are the records of births, deaths and marriages - the vital records.

The Australian Capital Territory began registering Births, Deaths and Marriages on 1 Jan 1930 under the (Federal Capital Territory Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Act, 1929).  Prior to 1930, all ACT births, deaths and marriages were registered in NSW.

Vital Records – Deaths    |    Vital Records - Births and Marriages

Pioneer Registers

Pioneer Registers of the ACT and district

Family Histories

A select list of published ACT and district family histories is available online in the Canberra and District Local History : A Select Bibliography.

Military Service

The ACT Memorial honours local men and women who served in conflicts, peacekeeping missions and related service throughout the world, some of whom paid the supreme sacrifice.  The Memorial database is maintained by the ACT Heritage Library.

Electoral and Census

• Brief history of electoral representation in the ACT and predecessor district (coming soon)
• Online searchable database of ACT electoral rolls 1916-1967.
• Search the catalogue using the key terms "voting registers" or "electoral" for copies of electoral rolls held.

Directories

Detailed information coming soon. Until then, search the catalogue using the key terms "telephone directories" or "Canberra (A.C.T.) - directories"