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.