Birtwistle Local Studies Library, Armadale

The Birtwistle Local Studies Library is the perfect spot to visit for all lovers of history. Named after Ivor Treharne Birtwistle, much of his personal collection relating to Western Australian History can be found at the Birtwistle Study Centre – including photographs, books, essays, letters, writings and scrapbooks recorded over the course of his life.

Courtesy Access WA

Specialising mainly in the history of the Armadale/Kelmscott district and beyond, there is a wealth of information to be found including books, photographs, ephemera and first hand accounts from locals over the centuries. Whether you have a keen interest in the regions pioneering past or your own family history, there is plenty to discover. If you can’t make it into the Study centre, there is also a vast online wiki catalogue which has hundreds of articles and photos from service men and women who served in the Great War 1914-1918. There is something for every interest.

Courtesy Birtwistle Local Studies Library, Armadale

Anyone keen to research the rich history of the region or even their own have access to family history records, resources and if required volunteers are on hand to assist with any enquiries. There are some fantastic groups and volunteers who meet regularly. Genealogists are available every Tuesday afternoon as well as the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. Research Assistance is available on Tuesdays between 3pm and 7pm and on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month by appointment. Be sure to book!

Courtesy Birtwistle Local Studies Library, Armadale

The Family History Databases are available during regular hours. There are also books, microfiche, CD-ROMS and family history packs available for access. The Ancestry and Find My Past databases are also now available for public use also. Phone 9394 5641 for all bookings, information and availability of computers.

Courtesy Birtwistle Local Studies Library, Armadale

There is also The Family Tree Group who meet each month on the last Thursday at 10am in the Armadale Library Meeting Room. These like minded people enjoy guest speakers and discussing family history research projects over a cup of tea or coffee.

Courtesy Birtwistle Local Studies Library

To sign up and join their mailing list which includes notices and information on family research and the Birtwistle Local Studies Library, use the contacts below.

Birtwistle Local Studies Library

Where: Armadale Central Shopping Centre at Shop 64/10 Orchard Avenue, Armadale.

Open:

Tuesday 9am – 7pm

Wednesday 9am – 4pm

Thursday 9am – 4pm

Mondays and Fridays by appointment

Phone(08) 9394 5641

Email: birtwistle@armadale.wa.gov.au

Website

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About Kerry Lane

I am 67 years of age and retired. I was born and bred in Perth but now live with my husband, Michael, in Albany, Western Australia. We have four children and six grandchildren. I have always enjoyed sports but my passion was basketball in which I played and attained State level. I coached at both junior and senior levels. I was also the team manager for the Perth Quit Breakers (now known as the Perth Lynx) for many years and was on the Board of the WA Basketball Association. I worked for Woodside Energy for 19 years before transferring to Darwin with my husband, also a Woodsider, who took up management of the Northern Territory operations of the company. I was the Private Secretary to the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Govt. during my time there before retiring. My husband and I then travelled around Australia in a caravan for a year before finally settling for a seachange in Albany. We built a house at beautiful Goode Beach, joined the Albany Golf Club and started to explore our surrounds. We have made many friends since arriving in Albany and family and friends from near and far enjoy visiting and experiencing our part of the world. We are heavily involved in the Golf Club which keeps us busy. I enjoy reading, wining, dining, good friends and still love to travel both here in Oz and overseas.

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