Skip to main content
state library of queensland
Blog
News

A family affair – discovering family history magazines and journals

By Kirsten Perris, Library Technician, Information and Client Services | 23 July 2021

Series: Magazines and journals available at State Library of Queensland.

In this blog series our librarians dive into our print journals and magazine collection for the hidden gems, personal favourites and most requested.

Next in the series Library Technician Kirsten shares a wonderful selection of family history journals and magazines.

An image of front covers of five family history journals and magazines

Front covers of five family history magazines and journals from State Library's collection

Family historians range from beginners just starting out to the dedicated researcher who has been following the clues for many years. Are you looking for some useful tips to make your fact finding easier? Or searching for new ways to tackle that elusive ancestor? Maybe you need some help navigating Irish family history? State Library might have just the journal or magazine that can help.

The following are just some of the family history journals and magazines in our collection. Come in to borrow or just browse the shelves.

Queensland Family Historian

The Queensland Family History Society publishes this journal quarterly. Not only are there plenty of personal research stories to read and learn from, but you can discover more about the history of Queensland’s regions and buildings. You can find articles on specific areas of family history or short stories offering hints and tips. Discover new websites in their regular “Web links” section.

Image of front cover of "Queensland Family Historian" journal, published by the Queensland Family History Society.

Front cover of the Queensland Family Historian journal.

The New Zealand Genealogist

Published by the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, this magazine doesn’t just cover researching family history in New Zealand but also provides articles about using resources to search outwards beyond New Zealand. The magazine is published 6 times a year and the articles are often based around a theme such as cemeteries. Discover the regular section “Genealogy on the Internet” that highlights new or interesting online sources for family history research. Read the “News from Archives New Zealand” and learn about what Archives New Zealand has on offer.

Image of front cover of "New Zealand Genealogist" journal, published by the New Zealand Society of Genealogists

Front cover of New Zealand Genealogist journal.

Family Tree Magazine

Although English, this magazine has so much to offer. From articles on understanding DNA research to how to research various professions such as agricultural labourers or fishermen to discovering records in Scotland and Ireland. Read about how you can discover more from the records, plus what resources you can use and what research skills you can develop to become a better genealogist.  You can read about case studies, and follow the reviews on books, family history software and more.

Image of front cover of "Family Tree Magazine"

Front cover of the Family Tree Magazine.

Irish roots

If you have ever researched Irish ancestors, you will know how difficult it is to locate records and navigate Irish family history resources. This magazine is all about celebrating Irish ancestry. You can read about ways to trace ancestors in a particular county, follow along on case studies, and much more. Discover some new tricks like how to date family photos and keep up to date with the latest in Irish genealogical record releases.

Image of three front covers for the "Irish Roots" magazine

Front cover of Irish Roots magazine.

The Scottish Genealogist

This journal is published quarterly by the Scottish Genealogy Society. Consisting of mainly biographies of a specific person or following a specific family line there is still something to be learnt through how others discovered their information. You can find articles on specific subjects such as shipping between Rotterdam and the Firth of Forth, and book reviews. Online through the Scottish Genealogy Society’s website there are indexes to previous editions of the journal covering 1953-2017.

Image of front cover of "The Scottish Genealogist" journal

Front cover of The Scottish Genealogist journal.

These are just a few favourites. See our online catalogue One Search for more.

You can access these resources and more onsite at State Library and you can also borrow them to enjoy reading at home. It’s all free with your State Library membership.

If you can’t make it in, why not check out PressReader. Discover The Family Tree Magazine, and Who do you think you are? magazines. Read them from the comfort of your home.

Look out for the next blog in this series #OurFavouriteJournals

Comments

Your email address will not be published.

We welcome relevant, respectful comments.

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
We also welcome direct feedback via Contact Us.
You may also want to ask our librarians.