Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Opening Ceremony

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A LASTING LEGACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Every family historian is a part of a long line of custodians – of stories, records, and now, even DNA. But how do we ensure our legacy survives the test of time, technology, and interpretation?

In this thought-provoking session, Andrew Redfern explores the responsibilities and opportunities of legacy in a digital age. Drawing on personal experiences inheriting complex family collections, as well as his work with the Society of Australian Genealogists, Andrew reflects on what it means to preserve and share our research, both as individuals and through our local societies. He’ll delve into the practical and ethical challenges of managing paper-based archives, digitising fragile collections, responding to DNA discoveries, and preparing our work for future generations who may revisit, revise (or even reject) our current conclusions.

Whether you’re building a family tree, managing a society archive, or wondering how best to preserve your digital research, this session offers insight, inspiration, and practical steps for shaping a lasting and meaningful legacy.

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Andrew Redfern is a passionate family historian with a colourful cast of ancestors including convicts, murderers, priests, wealthy gentlemen, travelling musicians, and the occasional asylum inmate. Having inherited several family history collections, he knows first hand the challenges (and responsibilities) that come with managing the legacies left by others. A current director of the Society of Australian Genealogists and administrator of the AFFHO website, Andrew is a strong advocate for using technology to enhance the work of family historians and to share discoveries in creative, meaningful ways. He has developed a Digital Skills for Family Historians workshop series to help others research more effectively in a digital world. More recently, he has been exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in family history and has spoken on the topic to audiences across the globe, including at RootsTech, Legacy Family Tree Webinars, Congress 2025 and international online conferences. Learn more at his website: andrewredfern.com

Closing Ceremony

KEEPING YOUR FAMILY’S HISTORICAL STORIES ALIVE THROUGH WRITING NON-FICTION

Jane Smith talks about how to turn the historical records you’ve discovered into a compelling book suited to your purpose and audience, whether your aim is to leave a legacy for your family, to preserve details for posterity or to entertain the general public.

Jane Smith is a Queensland author, librarian/archivist and freelance book editor who loves bringing history to life through writing fiction and non-fiction for all ages. She has had more than twenty books with a historical focus published, four of which have been short- or long-listed for literary awards. Most recently, her book Ship of Death came third in the 2021 Frank Broeze Memorial Maritime History Book Prize. Jane received a 2024 Visiting Fellowship with the Harry Gentle Resource Centre (Griffith University) to write her latest book, One Free Woman: The True Story of Convict Hannah Rigby, published by Big Sky Publishing in 2025. She works part-time as a hospital archivist and part-time in her editing practice.

Please see Jane’s website www.janesmithauthor.com for more information or to buy books. One Free Woman is also available from most bookstores, including Dymocks and Big W. 

SHARING YOUR LEGACY BY BLOGGING

Anne Young has been interested in her family history for as long as she can remember. In 2012 she set up an online journal, ‘Anne’s Family History‘, to share her research. Anne’s posts explain her methods and present her discoveries in a wide field, with ancestors and cousins in every continent of the world including Antarctica.

In writing about her family history Anne follows her conviction that a person’s life cannot be captured in mere names and dates. Where supporting facts can be found in the sources she always attempts to give a fuller story, with context and detail.

Her blogging has made it possible for Anne to connect with her relatives worldwide, exchanging photographs, documents, and stories. She is an enthusiastic participant in the annual ‘A to Z Blogging Challenge’ and contributes regularly to WikiTree. With nearly 900 posts to date, Anne continues to find pleasure and satisfaction in learning and writing about her ancestors and relatives.

PRIZES

With grateful thanks to the following organisations who have generously donated prizes.