Help with research

Finding a name or place

Use the search box at the top of any page. Search checks titles, descriptions and the text inside the documents. Try a surname on its own first, then add a place or date.

Browsing by subject

The People, Places and School pages offer starting points. Topics shows all nine collections, and the keyword index brings together selected documents about particular subjects.

Reading a document

Open a record to read its HTML version directly on this website. Photographs and maps appear within the page. Use the source page controls to continue reading, or choose Read complete HTML document to read all pages together. The Original PDF tab and download remain available. Search results open at a matching page.

Checking the original

Scanned text can contain errors, especially in handwriting and census tables. Try different spellings and check the original PDF when quoting a name, date or passage.

Accessibility

The site supports keyboard navigation and browser zoom. Use Tab to move between links and controls. The photograph gallery changes only when you choose a photograph. HTML versions let text reflow with browser zoom and include tables with column headings. Converted scans and complex layouts may still have reading-order errors.

Some original scans and maps may be difficult to read or may have incomplete searchable text.