Research-Services

Family and Local Research

 

Research Services

A variety of research options are available to the public, business and government bodies with detailed historic information available from the Society’s vast collection of archival holdings covering the Mount Alexander Shire.

 

As a not for profit organization run entirely by volunteers, the Society relies on membership subscriptions and research fees, together with occasional fund raising functions and successful grant applications, to finance its aims to study, record and promote the historical heritage of Castlemaine and District.  To this end the following fees will apply for the above services.

 

IN PERSON research at the Former Court House, with assistance from the Society’s research team, and access to the archive collection.

We are open on Tuesdays:

Morning session:          10.00 am to 12.30 pm

Lunch:                            12.30 pm to  1.00 pm

Afternoon:                        1.00 pm to  3.00 pm

The cost is $15 per hour.

One name or event look-up @ Former Court House $20

Examples of this service are marriage details for one couple or baptisms of their children; burial details where available.

 

OUT OF HOURS IN PERSON RESEARCH

By appointment only, this service requires a minimum of 48 hours notice and is available for a maximum of 2 (two) hours $100

 

POSTAL REQUEST RESEARCH

One name or event lookup $20

Extended search of the Society’s archives plus written report on results (5-6 Hours Research) – $80

We have two options for receival of your research request:

  1. Email
  2. Post – Some reports are more suited to being posted

If you have a preference, please advise.

POSTAL RESEARCH PROCESS

Having lodged your query or request, including your research subject, the Research Coordinator will check the Society’s archives to determine if we hold information you are requiring.  An email will be sent to you either confirming we can assist you, or that we are unable to assist and perhaps suggesting alternative avenues.

Following receipt of advice that we are able to carry out your research request, you are then required to pay the research fee via direct debit to the Society’s bank account – BANK: Bendigo Bank – Castlemaine BSB: 633 000 ACCOUNT NO: 203101621 ACCT NAME: Castlemaine Historical Society Inc, or forward payment via cheque.  Upon receipt of the payment research will commence.  In normal circumstances you should receive research results 6-8 weeks following receipt of your payment of the research fee.  It is helpful if you provide all known information, including related family names and spelling variations, as there were many families with common surnames in this district following the gold rushes, together with known or estimated dates.  Your name and subject should be used as the reference when paying via direct debit.

 

EXTENDED SEARCH

This avenue of research encompasses a search of the Society’s archives by the research team with written reports provided on the results.

Extended search (above 3 hours) $30 p/hour

 

PRIORITY RESEARCH REQUEST

Research request required within one week from receipt of payment or by a commercial firm $120

Additional  Materials

Photocopies & computer printouts per page  A4 $0.50
Photocopies & computer printouts per page A3 $1.00
Photographs or digital image printed off-site $10.00
Prints from microfilm reader, per page A4 $1.00
Digital or film copies as for photocopies
Lessor Collection $10.00
Verey Collection (paper print) $0.50
Verey Collection (digital) $10.00
Laser print A4 on card $10.00
A3 printed off-site $10.50
USB Sticks 8 GB $10.00

Application

You can apply using the downloadable form here

or by completing the application on-line below

    For further information contact us:

    CHSI PO Box 655

    Castlemaine, Victoria

    Australia 3450

    Phone (03) 5470 6072

    Email chsi@castlemainehistoricalsociety.com

    (please include your return postal address)

    Citing information contained in Castlemaine Historical Society Inc. Archives

    The Society requires that the source of any information from its archive collection which is subsequently used in any publication, including family histories and Internet, be acknowledged and cited as follows:

    1. Where the material has a VCMHS code.

    A full description of the item, followed by the code: for example

    Letter from S. Smith to United Shire of Mount Alexander.

    Castlemaine Historical Society Inc.  VCMHS 1996 51

    1. Where the material has no VCMHS Code.

    Full title of the item followed by description:  for example

    State School No. 2051 Pupil Register 1914

    School Files, Castlemaine Historical Society Inc. Archives

    Photocopying and Copyright

    Copyright on some of the material in the archives does not rest with CHSI (e.g. published books).  The Copyright Act allows for limited personal copying for the purposes of research or study (but not for publication). As a general guide, no more than 10% of a publication may be copied. If you want to include excerpts from someone else’s work in writing you intend to publish, you may need to apply to the author for permission

    Copyright copy here

    All sources should be appropriately recorded and acknowledged in your research. For books this is normally Author, Date, Title, Publisher, Place (& page number/s).  For CHSI files: source description, document date and archive (VCMHS) numbers of the files  (or as much information as is available)

    Photocopying of some materials in the CHSI Archives is restricted either through the Copyright Act, or as a condition of use by the donor (e.g. some Church Registers, where transcription only is allowed). Research assistants can advise what is permitted and will make any copies for you if possible. (Copying costs apply.)