Family History Expo Christchurch, 13-14 October 2012

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Many of you may be unaware that this event was held recently in Christchurch as part of the rebuild Christchurch programme.  It was hosted by the Family History Society of New Zealand which is a group of about 100 members nationally, with it’s base in Christchurch.

What had started as a small group of libraries, archives and museums getting together to promote their sectors of the community quickly grew and by Saturday 13 October there were 53 exhibitors; including the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, Archives New Zealand, National Library, Find My Past, Ancestry.com and Auckland Libraries.  A string of talks were given by different people over the two days covering a variety of subjects from beginning family history to using websites.


Joanne Graves and I attended representing Auckland Libraries.  We really enjoyed ourselves; it was great to see such a range of community archives together in one place.  I was entranced by the young girl in Edwardian costume playing with the games of the period.  There was a group of exhibitors who wore Victorian/Edwardian costume all week-end and by the end on Sunday they were stifling – how did our ancestors cope?



While we were in Christchurch we were lucky enough to be shown around the new Library in Peterborough Street and Archives opposite.  These tours gave us an appreciation of the collections in both places which we were able to use when advising customers over the week-end and also how badly damaged some of the buildings are.  Many of those we spoke to at the Expo had not yet ventured into the new libraries (the main library is split over two sites, the second in Tuam Street) as the on-going shakes have really taken their toll.



Overall, I think that this was a wonderful event, with a great atmosphere - we were pleased to meet so many of you.  Joanne and I are pleased that we were able to attend to support Christchurch and this event.  You can see some more of the photos of the week-end on Auckland Research Centre’s Facebook page.







Bryant and May matchgirls' strike June/July 1888

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Many of those who did history at secondary school in New Zealand in the 1970s will recall learning about the Bryant and May matchgirl strike and the part that Annie Besant played in this. 

Not only did those working in the factory strike but they were also supported by many of the outworkers who made the matchboxes and is recognised as the first strike by unorganised workers to gain national publicity and was a key to the founding of unions nationwide.

In late June / early July 1888, some 1400 workers from the Bryant and May match factory in the East End of London went on strike against their working conditions and unfair practices imposed on them by the management.  The strike lasted a little over two weeks but during that time the girls came to the notice of the national press and as a consequence some very public and powerful people.  Some supported the girls in their attempts while others were equally loud in their opposition.

Unfortunately, few records about those who participated in the strike survive.  However, a strike fund was set up to assist the strikers and a register kept recording payments to the women.  The details in this register form a database of 714 names and can be viewed on FindMyPast UK website (available free of charge in Auckland Libraries), in the database Matchworkers Strike, Bow, 1888. 

Details given on the database are:- name, address, occupation, wages, how much paid by the strike fund, marital status and who they lived with. 

The register represents only about 50% of those involved in the strike but what a find if one is an ancestor as these women have otherwise faded from history as individuals participating in a major event in British history.

If you want to know more about the strike, read:

Striking a light – the Bryant and May matchwomen and their place in history by Louise Raw (2011)

Articles were published in newspapers at the time and some can be viewed through the Digital Library on the libraries’ website – particularly the Times and Guardian and Observer.


Procession of matchworkers to Westminster July 1888
(held by TUC Library collections, London Metropolitan University)

Marie Hickey

Royal Household staff 1526-1924 on FindMyPast UK

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During Family History month, FindMyPast UK launched "Royal Household Staff 1526-1924."

It became my new favourite toy very quickly - had loads of fun using this dataset as part of my demonstration when I was out and about.

You'll find the datasets under "Institutions and Organisations"  -> "Monarchy and Royal Families", and they contain the records of some 75,000 people.

They make fascinating reading!


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