Camden Area Family History Society Inc.
Explore your family history, in Camden and beyond…
Jo Our exhibition ‘The Way We Were’ is on in The Old Fire Station at the front of Camden Library, 40 John Street Camden, until the end of September
‘The Way We Were’ showcases some of the ways in which authentic and meaningful stories can be uncovered using original material found in our archival collections.
Presented by Camden Library Local Studies, Camden Historical Society and Camden Area Family History Society.
Open during Camden Council Library Services opening hours.
We are delighted to welcome back Jeff McGill as guest speaker for our next CAFHS meeting on Tuesday 6th October, starting 7pm.
The talk will explore the extraordinary story of Alfred Cady, the “black sheep” of a wealthy English farming family who was sent to the far side of the world to make his own way. He settled in Camden in 1849 and married into a prominent local Scottish family, the Pedens. But in 1860, a family scandal changed everything — sending Alfred, his wife and their children packing for Goulburn to start afresh.
Tuesday 6th October, 7pm, at Camden Museum, 40 John Street, Camden. Visitors welcome! Free, gold coin for supper appreciated.
This September, Unlock Camden Heritage Festival 2026
invites you to step back in time and discover the stories behind the places you know and love.
Wander through historic sites, explore museum collections, join a guided walking tour, admire vintage vehicles, enjoy live music and family-friendly activities, and experience Camden’s rich heritage in a whole new way.
Saturday 5 September
10am–2pm
Alan Baker Art Gallery, Camden Library, Camden Museum
bit.ly/unlock-camden-heritage-festival
The guest speaker for our September meeting is Belinda Sacco. Belinda’s talk is on: “Uncovering Their Stories: How I Discovered My Ancestors’ Military Histories”
The meeting starts at 7pm in Camden Museum, 40 John Street, Camden. All welcome!
This year Camden Area Family History Society will celebrate our 30th Anniversary! Our Society began in November 1996, a self-funded, not-for-profit volunteer organisation for the benefit of all who are interested in researching their family history.
We are planning an Open Day in the Old Fire Station in Camden Library on Saturday, 14th of November, and throughout November there will be special displays and promotions. There will also be a 30th anniversary souvenir booklet. If you a former memeber, or if you have any memorabilia, stories, memories, or photographs of CAFHS events, please get in touch via email: cafhs2570@gmail.com
More details to come, please follow our Facebook page for updates!
We were delighted to welcome Camden Village to the CAFHS research room, and talk about what we do and why we love family history!
You can view the video, Facebook reel, and read more about our story here and at the Camden Village website: https://camdenvillage.com.au/
Many thanks to Melissa, Lincoln, @theProductionCommand, and the Spirit of Camden!
Preserving the Past, One Family Story at a Time
Our Annual General Meeting will be held at 7pm, Tuesday 4th August, in Camden Museum.
The AGM provides members with an opportunity to reflect on the Society’s achievements over the past year, and participate in the election of office bearers and committee members for the coming year. Please note that only current financial members are eligible to vote at the AGM or nominate for a committee role. If you have not yet renewed your membership, we ask that you do so before the meeting. If you would like to nominate for the committee, please contact the secretary at cafhs2570@gmail.com
Exploring Your Family Tree: Saturday sessions 1pm – 4pm, in the Old Fire Station at Camden Library, 40 John Street, Camden.
July 18: Growing the Branches – Next steps and following the leaves
August 15: The Mature Tree – How to make the most of your research
Exploring your Family Tree
How do you start researching your family tree?
What do you need to know to take your research further?
Camden Area Family History Society is hosting information sessions on Family History. Whether you are just getting started and curious to learn more, or you are already researching your tree, these sessions are for you!
Sessions will be from 1pm – 4pm, in the Old Fire Station at Camden Library, 40 John Street, Camden. Includes afternoon tea. All welcome! Cost: $10 per session (CAFHS members free). You can attend one, two, or all of the sessions. Reserve your place now by emailing us at cafhs2570@gmail.com . Payment can be made online, or on the day (cash only). Join CAFHS on the day, and your session is free!
Explore your family history, in Camden and beyond…
2026 NSW & ACT AFHS Conference: This annual family history event will be held at Port Panthers at Port Macquarie from 18th – 20th September. The theme is ‘The Paper Trail and Beyond: Family History in the Digital Age’, The event is a great opportunity to hear interesting guest speakers, meet other family historians and see what’s on offer at the family history fair. https://www.portmacconference2026.com
The AFFHO 18th Congress on Family History is in Wellington NZ, 11-14 February 2027. More details at their website https://affhocongress.org/
Tuesday, 7th July at 7pm, Camden Museum, 40 John Street Camden
Our speaker will be Damian Gleeson, PhD. Damian is an Australian qualified genealogist and historian, and a popular speaker and author. In this presentation, Damian will draw on key themes from his two recent books: Irish Bigamy: New Insights into Colonial New South Wales (2025) and John Joseph Therry: Irish landlord, merchant and priest in the Australian colonies (2026). Damian will have copies of his new book for sale.