Congress 2015 » Blog

Congress newspaper

Leanne McMahon — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 10:29:06 +0000

Keen to keep up with all the latest Congress news, read interviews with our presenters or just looking for some interesting genealogy tidbits? Then be sure to subscribe to Congress 2015’s online newspaper. Official Congress blogger Pauleen Cass has been compiling the “AFFHO Congress 2015 Weekly” an online newspaper with weekly news about Congress 2015.

Not only will you find content from Pauline but the paper pulls together links to all the interviews our official blogger team of Pauleen, Shauna Hicks and Jill Ball have done with our Congress presenters. These will give you an insight into what drives their interest in genealogy and a peek at what they hope you’ll take away from their talks at Congress. As well as interviews and latest news. The bonus of this online tool is it will also gather together lots of other genie info that you just mind find interesting.

Congress starts in ANZAC Hall

Leanne McMahon — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:59:24 +0000

2015 will be a significant year for the Australian War Memorial as Australians around the nation come together to remember the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign. The centenary marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

The Australian War Memorial will be commemorating the centenary through a major redevelopment of its First World War galleries and a variety of new public programs and events.

It will be an exciting time to visit the Memorial. Congress attendees will have a unique opportunity to experience the Memorial during this significant year. The Welcome function for Congress will be hosted in the captivating ANZAC Hall.

ANZAC Hall offers a truly unique experience, where delegates can mingle among historic items, authentic objects and great works of art depicting Australia’s military history. All while enjoying one of the wonderful audiovisual presentations developed specifically for this amazing space.

The Congress event will be scheduled to allow delegates to attend the Last Post ceremony prior to the welcome event. At the end of each day the Memorial farewells day visitors with its moving Last Post ceremony. The ceremony begins with the singing of the Australian National Anthem, followed by the poignant strains of a Lament, played by a piper. Visitors are invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. The Roll of Honour in the Cloisters lists the names of more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations over more than a century. At each ceremony the story behind one of these names is told. The Ode is then recited, and the ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post.

Congress provides a wonderful opportunity to experience all that the Australian War Memorial represents.

Early birds are open!

Leanne McMahon — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 12:59:06 +0000

Congress 2015 early bird registration are officially open. We invite you to join us, along with a host of great presenters, a bunch of friendly family historians and a hall full of trade vendors in the national capital next March. Registration is easy, just visit the the Congress home page and click on the registration button. It will step you through the registration process. And if at any time you want to change your choices or update your details, just use your password to visit the delegates zone.

We look forward to sharing a jam-packed weekend with you next year.

Facebook for Congress updates

Leanne McMahon — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 06:31:01 +0000

There are plenty of ways to keep up-to-date with information about Congress 2015. Obviously new information on the program, speakers and tours will be detailed on the Congress website. But our blog will also feature information on our speakers, our venue, Canberra highlights and family history news over the next 12 months, and if you are a Facebook user be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook. You’ll get all the latest news straight to your inbox. Find us on Facebook.

Early bird registration opens 31 March 2014![Early bird registration now closed]

Leanne McMahon — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 06:09:05 +0000

The countdown starts! It is now only one year until Congress 2015. Early bird registration opens on Monday 31 March. So check out the program and speakers and start planning your trip to Canberra from 26-31 March 2015. We have a great line up of speakers, with something for everyone.