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 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
The cost is $20 for a half day, $30 for a whole day, in person, Tuesdays.
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 $60
POSTAL REQUEST RESEARCH
One name or event lookup $20
Within Australia (2 -3 hours, includes 5 photocopies, additional copies see below) $60
Credit card payment within Australia $65
Overseas (2 -3 hours, includes 5 photocopies, additional copies see below) A$70
Credit card payment – Overseas requests A$75
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, 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
