October German SIG Meeting - Monday 12th October 2026

    

Join us at 1.30 pm on Monday 12th October 2026 for the next meeting of our German Special Interest Group.

Our German SIG is a fantastic way to explore your heritage and connect with like-minded locals, researching their Germanic background in friendly discussions. We share information on researching your Germanic ancestors, including resources, techniques, history and customs.

Coming up at our October meeting will be several topics of interest to anyone with Germanic ancestors or researching their German family history:

• Our group discussion will be your favourite ‘History-Mystery’ - please bring along details of your favourite/current German Family History-Mystery successes or failures
• Tony Karrasch with his always-informative update on what's been happening in the online German family history world - this month, he'll walk us through a new and free reference website called GENEA
• And finally, a YouTube video on Germanic tribes entitled: 'If Your Surname Is On This List, This Is The Tribe You Come From' - that should get us talking over afternoon tea!

So, whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your family tree, you’re warmly invited to attend. Come and join us for the discussion, then stay for a cuppa and a convivial chat - guests welcome!

Date: Monday 12th October 2026

Time: 1.30 pm

Location: Old Gordon Public School building, 799 Pacific Hwy (cnr Pacific Hwy & Park Ave)

Parking: Subject to time limits in Council’s Wade Lane carpark (entry via Park Ave or St Johns Ave)

Train: Our rooms are a short walk from Gordon Station.

For a map, please see our Contact page, https://khs.org.au/contact-us/#hours

For more details, see our website, https://khs.org.au/german-sig

Please keep an eye on our website's Events page in case of any last-minute changes. https://khs.org.au/events/

October 2026 AGM - Saturday 17 October

                                

2026 AGM + Guest Speaker:
Paul Storm

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 17 October 2026
for our brief AGM, followed by

The Great Exhibitions

On Saturday 17th October 2026, we'll be holding our brief Annual General Meeting at 2pm.

Immediately following the AGM, guest speaker Paul Storm will present The Great Exhibitions.

Members will recall Paul's fascinating presentation on the Blau Family of 4711 Eau de Cologne fame last year. This time, Paul takes us on a journey through the extraordinary world of the great international exhibitions - or 'Expositions', as they were then known - which captivated millions of visitors and showcased the wonders, inventions and achievements of their age.

From London's Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851, through Australia's own splendid efforts in 1879-1880, the great Chicago exhibition of 1892, and the many remarkable exhibitions and commemorations of the 20th century - Paul will bring these events to life through a fascinating collection of original and often ephemeral souvenirs.

Expect a generous helping of 'show and tell', with posters, memorabilia and other materials offering a glimpse into how these spectacular occasions were experienced and remembered by those who attended.

Free entry, no booking required. You are welcome to stay for refreshments and a chat following the presentation.

About Paul Storm

Paul is a retired high school teacher and 13-year President of the Willoughby District Historical Society. He is an avid philatelist who has gained tremendous satisfaction pursuing the social and historic aspects of his philatelic collections. Paul lives in a 126 year old heritage listed home in Chatswood.

Please note, Paul's presentation replaces our previously advertised talk on the lighthouses of NSW.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page.

September 2026 General Meeting - Saturday 19 September

                               

Guest Speaker:
Ian Burnet

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 19 September 2026 for

Dangerous Passage:
A Maritime History of the Torres Strait

The Torres Strait is one of the world’s most dangerous waterways - a maze of reefs, islands and treacherous channels between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Yet for early mariners, finding a route through it could save weeks on the voyage to Asia.

Join maritime historian and author Ian Burnet as he uncovers the dramatic story of explorers, shipwrecks and survival in this perilous passage. From Torres and Cook to Bligh and Flinders, generations of navigators risked everything charting these hazardous waters.

Featuring tales of mutiny, hurricanes, headhunting and desperate open-boat voyages, this is a fascinating glimpse into one of Australia’s most gripping maritime histories.

Free entry, no booking required. You are welcome to stay for refreshments and a chat following the presentation.

About Ian Burnet

Ian Burnet is an author, historian and former geologist who has spent more than thirty years living, working and travelling throughout Indonesia and the eastern archipelago. Fascinated by the region’s rich maritime history and diverse cultures, he has also led sailing voyages through the Spice Islands aboard traditional Indonesian wooden schooners.

His books include Dangerous Passage, Spice Islands, East Indies, Archipelago, The Wallace Line and The Tasman Map, exploring the history, exploration and cultures of our region. Ian’s website: ianburnetbooks.com

Copies of Ian's book, Dangerous Passage, will be available for $40 cash, or via EFT.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page.

August German SIG Meeting - Monday 10th August 2026

   

Join us at 1.30 pm on Monday 10th August 2026 for the next meeting of our German Special Interest Group.

Our German SIG is a fantastic way to explore your heritage and connect with like-minded locals researching their Germanic background in friendly discussions. We share information on researching your Germanic ancestors, including resources, techniques, history and customs.

Coming up at our August meeting will be several topics of interest to anyone with Germanic ancestors or researching their German family history including:

• Our special guest speaker will be journalist Rosalie Horner, who will speak about her historical novel, Waltzing Mathilde: Letters to a Little Girl. It’s based on the true story of her grandmother Mathilde Plate’s unaccompanied 1890 voyage from Hannover to Australia, aged 12; and how she then survived in the often-violent art world of 19th century Sydney – it promises to be an exciting talk!
  
  
• Group discussion of German family history successes and failures since our last meeting
  
  
• Plus Tony Karrasch's always-informative update on what's been happening in the online German family history world

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your family tree, you’re warmly invited to attend. Come and join us for the discussion, then stay for afternoon tea and a convivial chat - guests welcome!

Date: Monday 10th August 2026

Time: 1.30 pm

Location: Old Gordon Public School building, 799 Pacific Hwy (cnr Pacific Hwy & Park Ave)

Parking: Subject to time limits in Council’s Wade Lane carpark (entry via Park Ave or St Johns Ave)

Train: Our rooms are a short walk from Gordon Station.

For a map, please see our Contact page, https://khs.org.au/contact-us/#hours

For more details, see our website, https://khs.org.au/german-sig

Please keep an eye on our website's Events page in case of any last-minute changes. https://khs.org.au/events/

August 2026 General Meeting - Saturday 15 August

                              

Guest Speaker:
Denis Smith

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 15 August 2026 for

Why the First Fleet was Such a Success

Denis Smith explores the remarkable story behind the First Fleet’s 250-day, 15,000-mile voyage from Portsmouth in May 1787 - from the careful planning that made it possible, to the inspired choice of Arthur Phillip to lead it. He will also look at why Botany Bay was chosen, and uncover some of the lesser-known episodes along the way.

The talk also sheds light on Lord Sydney’s role in shaping the expedition, including his part in selecting Governor Phillip. Along the way, Denis tackles some intriguing colonial questions: why did Phillip raise the British flag at Sydney Cove in January 1788 when Captain Cook had already claimed the east coast? And what role did Matthew Flinders play in the naming of Australia?

An engaging and thought-provoking presentation - join us at the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society to discover the story behind the voyage that changed a continent.

Free entry, no booking required. You are welcome to stay for refreshments and a chat following the presentation.

About Denis Smith, OAM, MRSN

Born in Waverton, Denis is a retired electrical engineer who has always maintained a great interest in history. He is vice president of the Fellowship of First Fleeters; and past president of both Lane Cove Historical Society and the Matthew Flinders Society.

Denis is a First Fleet descendant of 1st Class Marine John Barrisford and his wife Hannah, who came out on the Prince of Wales in 1788. They spent three years in Sydney, then to Norfolk Island, settling on a land grant of 160 acres. When they closed down Norfolk Island in 1808, the family transferred to Hobart on 500 acres.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page.

Special Presentation - Saturday 1 August 2026

                              

Guest Speaker:
Fiona Sullivan

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 1 August 2026 for

Researching Local History
Using the State Archives Collection

Note: there will be no General Meeting on this day. This is a special addition to our Speakers Program, which is why it's not on our usual day. 

The NSW State Archives Collection documents the daily work of the NSW Government and its agencies from 1788 to today. This vast collection of records is an invaluable resource for Local historians, from tracing the development of an area, through to its schools, buildings and local businesses, to recording key events that have impacted the community over time.

Join Fiona Sullivan with this special presentation in which she outlines how to begin searching this vast collection, and highlights the many (and sometimes unexpected) records that can help you unlock the Local History of Ku-ring-gai and NSW.

Free entry, no booking required. You are welcome to stay for refreshments and a chat following the presentation.

About Fiona Sullivan

Fiona is the Manager, Access Services, at Museums of History NSW, where she oversees access to the State Archives Collection, both onsite and online. Fiona is passionate about Archives and Libraries, the people who use them, and the impact that they have on people’s lives.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page.

July 2026 General Meeting - Saturday 18 July

                             

Guest Speaker:
Adam Courtenay

Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 18 July 2026 for

Mr Todd's Marvel

In his book Mr Todd's Marvel: How One Man Telegraphed Australia to the Modern World (Woodslane Press, 2023) Adam Courtenay tells the inspiring story of Sir Charles Todd, the visionary astronomer and scientist who led the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line - one of Australia's greatest engineering feats.

Spanning thousands of kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin, it connected Australia to the rest of the world in 1872, transforming communication across the continent. The book describes Todd’s ambition, the hardships endured by his team, and the lasting impact of this incredible project on Australia's development and global connectivity. It’s both a tribute to a pioneering mind, and a gripping account of overcoming nature, distance, and doubt.

By the bestselling author of The Ship That Never Was, The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter, Three Sheets to the Wind and his recent memoir, My Father Bryce.

Join us at the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society on Saturday 18 July as Adam Courtenay brings to life the story of this remarkable man and his achievements.

Free entry, no booking required. You are welcome to stay for refreshments and a chat following the presentation.

Adam will have copies of Mr Todd's Marvel available at the special price of $25 (cash, cards or mobile wallet).

About Adam Courtenay

Adam Courtenay is the author of six published non-fiction books, mostly specialising in the early history of the Australian colonies. He has also been a financial journalist for more than 30 years in the UK and Australia, working for newspapers such as the Financial Times, The Australian Financial Review and the Sydney Morning Herald. He is the son of legendary author Bryce Courtenay.

As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.

The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.

For a map and parking information, see our Contact page.