Tracing your family roots in the Goldfields

One of the most common things people say when you mention Kalgoorlie or the Goldfields to them is “my uncle/grandad/auntie used to live there.”

Whether it’s recently or 100 years ago, it seems most Aussies have some connection to the Goldfields. The popularity of shows like Who Do You Think You Are and websites like Ancestry have meant people are more interested than ever in understanding their roots and tracing their family tree.

If you've got a connection to Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields, or even just an interest in this fascinating place, why not find out more, and maybe even trace your own family history?

The Eastern Goldfields Historical Society is a volunteer-run organisation in Boulder, and they have a treasure trove of historical information. You can book time with one of their amazing team members and they will search through their databases to try and find information on your relative.

What do I need to provide?

If you want to get the team on the hunt for your ancestors’ story, you need to provide them with as much information as possible. But the most important starting points are listed below:

FOR ENQUIRIES REGARDING AN INDIVIDUAL:

• Subject’s Surname
• Subjects Given Name
• Occupation/Trade/Profession
• Period believed to have lived on Eastern Goldfields
• Known locations on Eastern Goldfields

What archives have you already investigated?

• Trove
• Postal Directories
• Births Deaths Marriages
• Anecstory.com
• State Library WA
• City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Archives
• WA State Records Office Website
• National Archives of Australia

If you’re interested in tracing your own roots in the Goldfields, you can book some time with the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society directly by contacting them on 9093 3360 or research@kalgoorliehistory.org.uk. They charge $20 per hour for the volunteer’s time. If you'd like to download the form to send to the volunteers, you can find it here.