“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

School records and yearbooks capture your ancestors in their youth, offering more than just names and dates.

Yearbooks, if they can be located, provide photos, grades, and activities, while school records include enrolment and awards. These documents place ancestors in time and context, revealing friendships, education, and community involvement.

In Australia, school photographs are more common than yearbooks. Check your state archives (like Museums of History NSW or State Records of South Australia) for admission registers and records. State libraries often hold school magazines and commemorative books. For New Zealand, try Archives New Zealand or contact schools directly.  Subscription sites also have some enrolment details for Australia. Lastly, consider searching newspapers for articles of school activities as they sometimes included sporting events or academic achievements.

Look for school records or photo’s to add details to your ancestor’s early life.