Member Support Groups
Port Macquarie and Districts Family History Society provides interested members with a number of support groups to assist with their research endeavours and interests.
Coordinated by member volunteers with both a particular interest and expertise in the area, these groups offer both practical and procedural research support, resources and advice. The support groups also provide members with opportunities to discuss issues and solve problems, particular to their area of interest.
Writers' Support Group | Research Support Group | Family Search (F) Ancestry-FTM (A) Support Groups | Convict (C) & Basic A.I. (A) Support Groups | DNA Support Group |
Meeting Dates: 2026 2nd February 2nd March 4th May 1st June 6th July 3rd August 7th September 2nd November 7th December | Meeting Dates: 2026 18th February 18th March 13th May 17th June 15th July 12th August 16th September 14th October 11th November 16th December | Meeting Dates: 2026 9th February 9th March 13th April (F) 11th May (A) 8th June (F) 13th July (A) 10th August (F) 7th September (A) 12th October (F) 9th November (A) 7th December (F) | Meeting Dates: 2026 16th February (C) 16th March (A) 20th April (C) 18th May (A) 15th June (C) 20th July (A) 17th August (C) 14th September (A) 19th October (C) 16th November (A) 14th December (C) | Meeting Dates: 2026 23rd February 23rd March 25th May 22rd June 27th July 24th August 21st September 276th October 23rd November |
Monday Venue: Library Time: 1-3pm | Wednesday Venue: Library Time: 1pm-3pm | Monday Venue: Library Time: 1-3pm | Monday Venue: Library Time: 1pm-3pm | Monday Venue: Libray Time: 1-3pm |
 |  |  |  |  |
Convict Support Group - Coordinator: Clive Smith
This group meets on the alternate months to the Basic A.I. Support Group. Please check the calendar for appropriate dates. The aim of this group is to look at our own ancestor convicts and also some of the convicts who came to Port Macquarie. Please come to the group if you have an interest in research and can support our society.
Basic A.I. Support Group - Coordinators: Wendy Haynes & Karen Quinn
This group meets on the alternate months to the Convict Support Group. Please check the calendar for appropriate dates. The aim of this group is to look at how the new technology of Artifical Intelligence (A.I.) may assist family history research. Participants are encouraged to register with the co-ordinators so they may advised on any requirements for upcoming session e.g downloading a specific app/program.
DNA Support Group - Coordinator: Pauline Every
Genetic genealogy is a way for genealogists to go beyond what they can learn from personal knowledge, relatives or historical documentation. DNA testing gives us matches to relatives, many of whom will be unknown to us.
Consisting of members of our family history group, we meet regularly to exchange success stories and discuss new tools, ideas and topics.
We also have a closed Facebook page which we find is a great way of providing information about what is happening in the world of DNA genealogy. New people attending are always most welcome.
*** Click Here to open a PMDFHS page showing YouTube links about recent change to DNA functionality in Ancestry.com ***
Writers' Group - Coordinator: Diane Gillespie
The writer's group is an informal group of writers who listen, share, and provide support and information - of all kinds - about writing and publishing family histories. Each month, an interesting writing exercise aimed at getting members to the desk and writing, is suggested.
It does not matter at what stage you are with your research and/or writing. You will find a friendly and interesting group of members who will listen to and share your writing journey from those first tentative words right through to publishing your work. So, come along and join our enthusiastic and welcoming group.
Next Topic: Retail or commercial.
Ancestry.com/Family Tree Maker software - Coordinator: Sue Brindley
This support group assists members discover and use the many facilities available on Ancestry.com which is the largest for-profit genealogy company in the world. It operates a network of genealogical, historical records, and related genetic genealogy websites. Family Tree Maker software allows trees and pictures to be uploaded to the Ancestry.com website. Because Family Tree Maker is stored on your computer, you are able to use the software without an internet connection.
Family Search Group - Coordinator: Robyn Denley
Family Search is a genealogy organisation operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It is the largest genealogy organisation in the world. Find your family, discover yourself. Learn where you came from and get to know who you are. This is a free "worldwide" family tree.
Group Coordinator, Robyn Denley, who served in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City for 18 months - primarily in British, Australian and New Zealand research - can provide valuable and expert assistance for interested members.
Research Support Group - Coordinator: Clive Smith
Research group provides members with the opportunity to explore a variety of topics related to the family history research.
Each month, members are supported in learning about new record types and/or practical research methods and procedures. This group aims to keep members informed and up-to-date with current trends and resources relating to researching their family history.
Come along and be a part of our enthusiastic learning community.