Uncover your origin stories with NPDC’s Taranaki Research Centre during family history month

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about your family history but didn’t know where to start, Taranaki Research Centre (TRC) has a series of engaging workshops and talks to help beginner and experienced genealogists uncover their ancestry. 

August is Family History so a great time to get started on that journey. Located on level two at Puke Ariki Library, the centre is a great starting point for anyone interested in tracing their ancestry or learning more about their family's past. 

"Family history research is a journey, and we're here to help people take their first steps in Family History Month," says Simone Entwisle, Taranaki Research Centre Supervisor. "Our team of librarians can guide visitors through our extensive resources and help them begin their research journey." 

The TRC’s skilled librarians can help visitors access online resources like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch on the library computers, as well as show them some of the collections of family histories and other genealogy information that is collected and only available in the Taranaki Research Centre.  

It also maintains a growing collection of family history and whakapapa files containing press clippings and family trees, along with numerous self-published genealogies of Taranaki families on the shelves.

Once budding genealogists have worked to identify their ancestors, the exciting discoveries come in books and newspaper articles to uncover stories about where their ancestors lived and what they did. Visitors can then continue their research at home with their newfound skills.  

What makes the Taranaki Research Centre particularly valuable is its integration with both the library and museum facilities of Puke Ariki, providing comprehensive access to historical information. For deeper research, the museum archives hold diaries, family letters, photographs, and other original source materials.  

Two special events highlight this year's Family History Month programming: 

Family Histories Done Well – A Presentation by Jim Tucker 
Thursday 7 August, 9.15am – 10.30am 
Taranaki Research Centre, Level 2 Puke Ariki Library 
Expert Jim Tucker shares his knowledge and experience in writing family history, offering guidance on how to begin your story and format it into a published document. 

Starting Your Whakapapa/Family History Search 
Wednesday 20 August, 9.15am – 10.15am
Taranaki Research Centre, Level 2 Puke Ariki Library 
An introductory session where Simone will guide participants through creating a pedigree chart – documenting what they already know about their family tree and identifying areas for further research. Participants will also learn about the resources available at the Taranaki Research Centre to assist with their research. 

For more information about Family History Month programming or the services offered by the Taranaki Research Centre, please contact Puke Ariki. 

Puke Ariki Fast Facts

• Puke Ariki, meaning Hill of Chiefs, stands on a former prominent Pā site in central New Plymouth, and opened as a combined library and museum.

• It opened in 2003 as a combined library and museum – an innovative storehouse for Taranaki’s taonga and stories.
• The museum presents both long-term and regularly changing exhibitions across six gallery spaces.
• The central and community libraries offer many events designed to foster a love of reading, learning and connection.
• Puke Ariki also houses a research centre, restaurant and café, and the district’s isite visitor information and ticketing hub.

Caption: Taranaki Research Centre Supervisor Simone Entwisle, left, with Community Library and Programming Lead Rebecca Beyer.