Who We Are

We are a local group of family history enthusiasts.
In the early 1980s, a group of enthusiastic local family historians attended seminars and workshops presented by members of the West Australian Genealogical Society (WAGS). Inspired by what they had learned, they decided Albany needed its own local family history association.

After gathering sufficient support from the community, they approached WAGS in Perth. On 3 July 1982, following an intensive weekend workshop, the Albany Group was officially established as a branch of the West Australian Genealogical Society.
The Society began with a President, a Secretary and a committee of three.

​Like many volunteer organisations, it experienced its share of challenges over the years, particularly in finding a permanent home for its growing library. Despite these difficulties, the Albany Group maintained a close relationship with WAGS by hosting visiting speakers, borrowing resources from the Perth library and conducting genealogy seminars and workshops.
After 18 years as a branch, WAGS encouraged its country branches to become independent affiliated societies. The Albany Group accepted this opportunity and became the Albany Regional Family History Society Inc. (ARFHS).
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Today, the Society is managed by an Executive consisting of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian, supported by a dedicated committee and enthusiastic volunteers.

Our Aims!
For over 40 years, the Albany Regional Family History Society has been dedicated to helping people discover, research and preserve their family histories.
​Our aims are to:
  1. Assist individuals in researching and building their family trees.
  2. Promote and encourage the study of family history as an important part of our social and cultural heritage.
  3. Highlight the value of genealogy in understanding inherited medical conditions, where knowledge of family health history can provide valuable information for future generations.
  4. Collect, preserve and make accessible records relating to the early settlers of the Lower Great Southern region of Western Australia.
How We Achieve Our Aims
​We work towards these objectives by:
  • ​Preserving, recording and acquiring family histories and other genealogical material.
  • Maintaining a reference library and research centre for members and visitors.
  • Liaising and cooperating with family history societies and organisations throughout Australia and overseas.
  • Conducting meetings, workshops and educational activities that promote family history research.
The Society has no religious or political affiliations and welcomes everyone with an interest in family history, whether they are members or simply seeking assistance with their research.

Our big move (thrice) and settling in!
Over the years, the Society has been fortunate to occupy several locations as it continued to grow. From its early homes, it later moved to the historic Co-operative Building and then to the Vancouver Centre.

In 2020, the Society found its permanent home within the Albany Public Library.

Being located in the heart of Albany's central business district has provided significant benefits. Through the Library's internet facilities, members and visitors have access to a wide range of online genealogical databases, archives and research websites from around the world, greatly enhancing the Society's ability to assist family historians.
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Today, the Albany Regional Family History Society continues the vision established by its founders in 1982—helping people discover their ancestors, preserve their family stories and ensure that the history of our region and its families is not lost for future generations.