Local and family history
Discover the stories of our region and delve into your family history.
Use online tools like Ancestry and Trove to conduct research, or reach out to the Swan Hill Genealogical and Historical Society for additional guidance.
You can also explore our community’s rich heritage through the displays in our Heritage Room.
Swan Hill Genealogical and Historical Society
Located within the Swan Hill Library, the Swan Hill Genealogical and Historical Society offers a wide range of family and local history resources. Society members are available to assist with research and inquiries related to local and family history.
Opening hours and contact details
Heritage Room
The Swan Hill Library’s Heritage Room features historical displays, family history resources, and an extensive collection of local history materials about Swan Hill and its surrounding areas
Newspapers
Newspapers available for viewing on microfilm include:
- The Guardian (late 1880s – December 1984)
- Kerang Times and Swan Hill Gazette (1877 – 1890)
- Mid Murray Illustrated (1964)
- Nyah and Piangil Times (1924 – 1942)
- Riverina Recorder (1869 – 1884)
- Riverine Herald (1898 – 1938)
- Swan Hill News Pictorial (1965 – 1967)
- Ultima and Chillingollah Star (1915 – 1951)
The microfiche collection includes old rate books from 1863 to 1962.
Mallee Oral History collection
This collection of recorded interviews consists of more than 160 residents telling their stories and stories of the district. The oral histories are available for loan in audio or printed format, thanks to the many hours volunteer Val Tillett has spent transcribing the interviews.
Copies are also kept in the local history collection.
Some of the local residents whose interviews are in the collection include:
- Maise Baker
- Norm Dowling
- Jim Ferguson
- Ada Gay
- Jack Howley
- Harry Jager
- Salva Marotta
- Eileen Watson
Swan Hill Library accepts donations of suitable items of our local history for its collection. Conditions apply.
eLibrary and Digital Resources
Ancestry Library Edition
Explore your family history with Ancestry Library Edition, available exclusively on library computers. This comprehensive resource offers access to thousands of records from Australia, USA, UK, Europe, and beyond. Discover census data, birth and death records, military files, historical maps, and more.
Visit Ancestry Library Edition
Swan Hill Remembers
An exhibition commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War Two. Discover artifacts, photos, and memorabilia honoring those who served. Featuring badges, medals, transport, weapons, uniforms, and more, with contributions from the Swan Hill and Robinvale communities.
Visit Swan Hill Remembers
Trove
Trove is a comprehensive resource that helps you find and explore materials related to Australia. More than just a search engine, Trove aggregates content from libraries, museums, archives, and other research organisations, offering tools to help you build and discover. It’s a vibrant community, a valuable service, and an expanding collection of digital resources. Created and maintained by the National Library of Australia, Trove is your gateway to a wealth of Australian history, culture, and research.
Visit Trove
Image: Swan Hill bridge with woman on horseback and a horse and buggy crossing. Image courtesy of the State Library of South Australia, PRG 1258/2/1916.