Family Myths & Trees

Solve a family mystery, confirm a myth or answer a burning question.

Family Myths & Trees is a joint project between the Bunbury Museum and the Australind Family History Society. It invites members of the public to submit a question about their family history - something they've always wondered about, a story that's been passed down but never confirmed, or a research question they've been unable to answer on their own.

How it works

Submit a Question: Between 27 August and 30 October 2026, anyone can submit a family history question through the museum or Society. This might be about a specific ancestor, an event, a family story or myth, or a gap in existing family research.

The Research: Volunteer researchers from the Australind Family History Society will investigate a selection of submitted questions, using genealogical records, archives, and other historical sources available to them.

The Findings: Participants whose questions are researched will receive the results in both a printed and digital format, for them to keep.

The Showcase: Some participants may be invited to share their family's story as part of a live storytelling evening, currently planned for around May 2027 (date to be confirmed). This is optional, and not every participant will be included, depending on research outcomes and the format of the event.

Who Can Take Part

The project is open to the public, and whilst we love our local area, questions can be about any locality worldwide. There's no cost to submit a question. Because research is carried out by volunteers with limited capacity, not every submission may be researched; the number of questions taken on will depend on volunteer availability during the research period.

Questions can be submitted digitally or in-person by:

Completing the online digital form below
Downloading the PDF form and emailing it to localstudies@bunbury.wa.gov.au
Or via in-person paper copies at the Bunbury Museum, Australind Family Historical Society, Bunbury or Withers Library.

Important Dates

Submissions open: 27 August 2026
Submissions close: 30 October 2026
Showcase event: May 2027

A Note on Sensitive Histories

Family history sometimes includes difficult subject matter, including war losses, forced removals, institutionalisation, migration, or family separation. The museum and AHS will handle all submissions and findings with care, and participants can discuss how their story is presented, including whether or how it is shared publicly.

As a project participate, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Privacy: The personal information will be collected and retained by the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre for the sole purpose of fulfilling the administrative functions of this project. For more details, please refer to the City of Bunbury’s Privacy Policy.

Third Party Consent: The information provided will be shared with and retained by registered members of the Australind Family History Society for the sole purpose of fulfilling the administrative functions of their research.

Third-Party Online Platforms: The information provided may be used by the Australind Family History Society on third-party online platforms, including but not limited to Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, RootsIreland, MyHeritage, and other websites, for the sole purpose of conducting research. This information will not be stored digitally on genealogy programs/platforms.

Answers Provided: The Australind Family History Society will provide a response to your question, but it may not completely address all aspects of it.

Presentation of Answers: Answers to questions will be presented in both written and digital formats as part of the event Showcase, which will be held during Heritage Month (18 April – 18 May 2027). Some people may be invited to take part in the presentation of their questions and answers.

Research & Retention: The research and any resulting documents may be retained within the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and/or the Australind Family History Society collections, which are available for public research, including online access.

Application Withdrawal: Question submissions may be withdrawn at any stage by submitting a written request to the Bunbury Museum Education and Public Programs Officer at museum@bunbury.wa.gov.au.

Photo Consent: Images and documents provided to the Bunbury Museum and/or the Australind Family History Society may be used, with permission, for exhibition and promotional purposes across all media.

Declaration: By submitting a question, you confirm that the information you provide is given honestly and in good faith, and the subject of your submitted question is related to you, either directly or indirectly.

pdf
Family Myths & Trees Question Submission Form (downloadable)

Family Myths & Trees Question Submission Form

Name*

Phone*

Email*

My question is...*

What I know so far...*

Dates, names, addresses, locations, any research you've currently done, etc.

I have photographs/documents that may help with research?*

YesNo

Acknowledgement*

I have read and acknowledge to the below terms and conditions.

Privacy: I understand the personal information will be collected and retained by the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre for the sole purpose of fulfilling the administrative functions of this project. For more details, please refer to the City of Bunbury's Privacy Policy. Third Party Consent: I understand the information provided on this form will be shared with and retained by registered members of the Australind Family History Society, to be used for the sole purpose of fulfilling the administrative functions of their research. Third-Party Online Platforms: I understand the information provided on this form may be used by the Australind Family History Society on third-party online platforms, such as but not limited to Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, RootsIreland, MyHeritage, and other websites, in order to conduct their research. This information will not be stored digitally on genealogy programs/platforms. Answers Provided: I am aware that although I will receive a response to my question from the Australind Family History Society, it may not fully answer it. Presentation of Answers: I understand I will be presented with the answer to my question, in written and digital format, as part of the event Showcase, to be held during Heritage Month (18 April -18 May 2027), and that I may be invited to take part in the presentation of my question and answer. Research & Retention: I understand the research and any resulting documents may be retained within the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and/or the Australind Family History Society collections, which are available for public research, including online access. Application Withdrawal: I may withdraw my application at any stage, in writing to the Bunbury Museum's Education and Public Programs Officer at museum@bunbury.wa.gov.au Photo Consent: I understand that images and documents that I provide to the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre and/or the Australind Family History Society may be used, with permission, for exhibition and promotional purposes across all media. Declaration: I confirm that the information I provided is given honestly and in good faith, and the subject of my submitted question is related to me, either directly or indirectly.

For more information about this project, please contact our Local Studies Officer at localstudies@bunbury.wa.gov.au

Family Myths & Trees is a joint project proudly brought to you by the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre in collaboration with the Australind Family History Society.