Finding your family history
Finding your family history
The Jean Harslett Research Centre is the engine room of the museum.
It houses irreplaceable historical documents and photographs gathered by historian Jean Harslett in over 60 years of research.
The photographic collection is regarded as one of the best historical collections in Queensland.
At the opening, Mervyn Royle, who co-authored "They Came To A Plateau" with Mrs Harslett in 1972, recalled that from the early days of the Stanthorpe Historical Society, Mrs Harslett had considered it vital that the museum should include a collection of documents and records so that proper research could be undertaken.
It now includes a growing archive of local family history which is supported by the original copies retained at the museum of The Border Post newspapers. In addition, the museum has burial records for the Stanthorpe Cemetery and a number of old phone books which assist in locating history of former residents.
Almost every letter from folk seeking information on family forebears from the Granite Belt district, is able to be responded to with some information and/or photographs relevant to the enquiry.
Sometimes this entails our research staff phoning long-time residents for extra information, so we are constantly updating and improving our records.
The museum staff is currently compiling extensive information from the shire’s rate records which will enable another database to be created to assist in locating family history.
When you contact the Museum requesting information please remember to -
- Give us all the details of the story/stories you are seeking
- Tell us what information you have already
- Send a stamped self-addressed envelope with the information
- make allowance for photocopying by including extra stamps
These small considerations help us to locate any information as quickly as possible and will defray some of the costs.
