Learn and Research
If you’re exploring your family history, researching a local place, or trying to understand “what used to be here”, the resources below are a good place to start. Where possible, we have included both online tools and local research options.
Getting started: Begin with what you already know — names, dates and locations — then use newspapers, directories and official records to fill in the gaps.
Researching family history
Family history research often starts with personal knowledge and grows through records, archives and published sources. The organisations below can help you trace relatives, confirm details and discover new connections.
Aboriginal family history
The State Library of Western Australia is a helpful starting point for researching Aboriginal family history in WA.
Ancestry.com (Library Edition)
Ancestry Library Edition provides access to thousands of information databases, including international census records and family history sources.
Note: This product is only accessible within the library.
Ancestry Library Edition
Military service records
These collections can help you research the service and wartime experiences of relatives.
Family history organisations
These organisations provide guides, indexes and large collections of genealogical records.
Shipwrecks, migration and passenger lists
If your family story includes shipping, immigration or travel to Western Australia, these resources can help.
Archives, libraries and newspapers
National and state collections offer guides, digitised records, images and research tools.
Births, deaths, marriages and directories
Official records and directories can help confirm names, dates, locations, occupations and household details.
Local heritage survey
The Local Heritage Survey identifies places of cultural heritage significance within Serpentine Jarrahdale. It includes information on historic buildings, sites, landscapes and places of local interest.
Researching houses, places and land
If you’re researching a house, street or local place, these resources can help you uncover its history, former uses and occupants.
Oral history and lived experience
Oral histories capture personal memories that may not appear in official records. Interviews with current and former residents can provide valuable insights into everyday life, work, events and community change. SJ Library Services has a number of oral histories from local residents in their collection. Please contact the Library for more information.
Research for schools and students
Local history research can support school projects, assignments, and community studies.
Need help with your research?
If you’re not sure where to start or are looking for local information, library staff can help point you in the right direction.
Contact: library@sjshire.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9526 1133