Advice for new users: Getting started!

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c.1914 photograph of postwomen on their deliveriesWhen looking for an ancestor in the archives it pays to come prepared. Our records are extensive and are mostly arranged in date order. So, if it is possible for you to have this basic information it may save you time:

  • Date of birth
  • Date of death
  • What type of job they had
  • Where in the country they worked

If you do not know these details, it may be better to start at the Family Records Centre.

Getting started

Our staff can give you an idea of what records may be available by phone, email or letter.

You can visit the Archive in person and our staff will show you how to use the catalogues. If you are unable to visit, we offer a paid Family History Research Service - contact us for more information.

Using the records

Researching from archive sources may take time, particularly if you do not have precise information. There is no guarantee of success. Our records were created as working files for the Post Office and so are not necessarily ordered in a convenient way.

Most of our records are unique and fragile. You may be required to look at certain records on microfilm. If no microfilm is available, you fill out a requisition slip for the records you want and our Search Room staff will get them for you.

Find out about the main sources for family history.