Creation and launch of the Convict transportation registers database
Creation and development of the database
Find a convict
The State Library of Queensland began indexing the HO11 Convict Transportation Registers in 1996. Volunteers, with the help of State Library staff, have carefully transcribed every entry from the original registers, despite the difficulties of reading sometimes barely legible handwriting. The entries were then entered into a database. Over the years these transcriptions have been rechecked to ensure errors have been kept to a minimum. The creation and enhancement of the database over twelve years relied on the sustained efforts of dedicated staff and volunteers, many of whom were involved with the project from the beginning.
Launch
On 18 June 2008, the Convict Transportation Registers database and website were officially launched by State Librarian Lea Giles-Peters before an audience of academics, historians, archivists, librarians and genealogists. Guest speaker Dr Jennifer Harrison, historian and research adviser, spoke enthusiastically about the many benefits this resource has to offer researchers. It provides a starting point for exploring a wealth of convict records.
Photograph of the volunteers taken during the launch. Also pictured are State Librarian Lea Giles-Peters, historian Dr Jennifer Harrison, former Volunteers' Coordinator Eric Straight and staff member Myles Sinnamon.
Acknowledgements
The State Library of Queensland acknowledges the work of the following volunteers: Angela, Christine, Dell, Desley, Eileen, Gary, Jan, Judith, Kevin, Lesley, Madeleine, Margaret, Mary, Roger and Wendy.
More information
If you have an enquiry you can contact us in any of the following ways:
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Last updated: 28th October 2009
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