Primary Records

Our Primary Records collection was set up in 1963 to house donated material which was unsuitable for placing on open access and contains more than 28,000 files. While most of the collection has a clear Australian connection, much of the content relates to donors' overseas ancestors, including certificates, photographs, etc. Many are unique and rare items unavailable in other institutions.

This database indexes some of this collection accessioned up to early 2007. The SAG is currently transferring a vast card index to computer format and will be launching a new online catalogue which will index all of the Primary Records material. In the interim researchers will find this version useful, but they should be aware that a significant proportion of material received prior to the 1990s and anything received since 2007, is not contained in this database.

Our library at 2/379 Kent Street and our Primary Records reading area at 120 Kent Street both have more up to date catalogues which are available for searching in person when you visit.

To search the Primary Records Index use the Records search function on the left-hand toolbar.