Family History Holidays

31/05/2026

Local history groups in Wagga and the Riverina, this workshop is for you!

On Friday 12 June, family historian Brad Argent is running a half-day workshop at the Museum of the Riverina's Historic Council Chambers. He'll walk through the Tichborne Claimant story — one of the stranger chapters in Riverina history — and dig into the records, the research, and what it all means for the way we tell local stories today.

There's also a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum, morning tea and a light lunch featuring local Riverina produce.

It's a practical session. If you're involved in local heritage, genealogy, or community history, it's worth your Friday.

$30 for heritage group members / $50 for non-members. Bookings essential.

Tickets + more details here: https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

30/05/2026

Here's what the Discovery Day in Wagga looks like on Saturday 13 June.

You arrive at the Museum of the Riverina's Historic Council Chambers. Brad Argent walks the group through the Tichborne Claimant story including evidence that even more than 100 years later is open to interpretation. We also hear about what was happening from a First Nations perspective at the same time, and get a private behind the scenes tour of the museum.

After lunch, you choose two of four curated afternoon experiences. There’s a heritage walk through old Wagga guided by heritage architect Noel Thomson, a Stories from the Cemetery experience with Free Roam Theatre, private access to the Riverina Archives or a tour of some of the Riverina’s military history.

The day closes with cocktails and canapes at the Riverine Club with the guides, Brad and the whole group together.

Tickets also get you two nights at The Houston boutique hotel (pictured) on Friday and Saturday. (If you’re local, we highly recommend a staycation!)

Ready to join us?

Details here: https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

29/05/2026

How did I get into family history? When I was in my early 20s, my mum found five suitcases in my dear old gran’s garage after she moved in aged care.

Mum was clearing things out and found them stacked at the back, full of old papers like letters, newspaper clippings and school reports. She brought them home and one afternoon we sat outside in the autumn sunshine and combed through it all.

In amongst everything, there was a will that cut out not just one but two uncles we had never heard of.

My family had lived in the Riverina for generations and I'd grown up hearing all kinds of family stories, but it turns out there were people missing from them.

From that moment I was hooked! It’s incredible the way a single old document can completely change what you thought you knew.

My family history research was always on the fringes while I spent years teaching and working in tourism. Now I’ve started Family History Holidays, and dreamt up the Hands-on-History Experiences.

For the first event in Wagga in just two weeks’ time, a small group of people are going to spend a day going deeper into the Riverina's history through the Tichborne Claimant story. They’ll get to go through the archives and see places that most visitors usually don’t, hopefully getting inspired to continue their own family history research in the process.

If you've got roots in this region, if you just love history and are curious about it, or if you've got your own version of five suitcases waiting to be opened, this day is for you.

Find out more + join us: https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

24/05/2026

Brad Argent has spent years combing through family and heritage records. He’s been on TV shows like Who Do You Think You Are?, Every Family Has a Secret, DNA Journey, My Family Secrets Revealed and The Secret DNA of Us.

He knows what's in the archives, what the documents actually reveal and (more importantly) how to make it mean something to the people sitting in front of him.

Brad's our guest family historian for our Hands-on-History Experiences event in Wagga, and you’re invited to join him at the Discovery Day on 13 June.

The Tichborne Claimant is the centrepiece of the day and where Brad will be sharing new insights into the story. The afternoon branches into four curated experiences across Wagga, including the heritage streetscape, the cemetery, the Riverina Archives and RAAF military history. Each one is guided by a local expert.

It's a small group with good food and genuine access to places and records that aren't usually open to the public. Spots are still available.

Find out more + book now: https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

24/05/2026

So many fascinating details have emerged about this scandal since we opened up bookings for our upcoming Hands-on-History event in Wagga! It's all happening on Saturday 13June - stay at the beautiful Houston Boutique Hotel and get to know the con artist who took his story around the world. https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

In 1865, a man turned up in Wagga Wagga claiming to be a missing English baronet who'd been presumed dead for years. He could barely remember basic facts about his supposed noble family. And for a while, some of them believed him anyway.

The Tichborne Claimant case became one of the longest, most expensive legal trials in British history. And it started right here in the Riverina.

On 13 June, family historian Brad Argent will walk a small group of guests through the full story with records and evidence and what Wagga's archives actually reveal. It's a private event for people who want to go deeper into the Riverina's history and limited to 20 spots.

It also includes two nights’ accommodation at The Houston, your choice of two afternoon tour experiences and more.

If you've got roots in the region, or you're just the kind of person who finds this stuff fascinating, join us.

Find out more and book your spot: https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

Image via Museum of the Riverina

22/05/2026

In 1865, a man turned up in Wagga Wagga claiming to be a missing English baronet who'd been presumed dead for years. He could barely remember basic facts about his supposed noble family. And for a while, some of them believed him anyway.

The Tichborne Claimant case became one of the longest, most expensive legal trials in British history. And it started right here in the Riverina.

On 13 June, family historian Brad Argent will walk a small group of guests through the full story with records and evidence and what Wagga's archives actually reveal. It's a private event for people who want to go deeper into the Riverina's history and limited to 20 spots.

It also includes two nights’ accommodation at The Houston, your choice of two afternoon tour experiences and more.

If you've got roots in the region, or you're just the kind of person who finds this stuff fascinating, join us.

Find out more and book your spot: https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

Image via Museum of the Riverina

16/05/2026

The story started in Wagga Wagga and made headlines around the world. It involved a butcher, a baronetcy — perhaps a few lies along the way — and a trial that went on for years.

We're going deep on the Tichborne Claimant story this June and we'd love you to join us.

Family History Holidays is hosting its first Hands-on-History Experiences event in Wagga Wagga on 12-13 June 2026, featuring guest family historian Brad Argent.

There are two ways to be part of it:

📆 Friday 12 June: The Workshop.
A half-day session at the Museum of the Riverina for local heritage groups and history lovers. From $30.

📆 Saturday 13 June: The Discovery Day.
A full private day of curated experiences, local experts and good food. Includes two nights’ accommodation at The Houston. $500 per person (twin share).

No Wagga connection? No problem. Curiosity is the only requirement.

Find out more + book now: https://www.familyhistoryholidays.com.au/hands-on-history-experiences-events

27/04/2026

Lovely to see the ancestors lounging on the lawn on an autumn afternoon back in 1897! And a big thanks to Tom from Berrigan & District Heritage Museum who last week showed me where the Drummond family lived and shed some light on their story.

08/03/2026

A few weeks ago we met the friendly staff at the . So many great historical records and resources that relate to the heritage of the Riverina, and so much more. Hiding in plain site next to Hyde Park Barracks and managed by the Museums of History NSW a visit here makes for a sensational start to any foray into family history......thank you! Family History Holidays

04/01/2026

Did you uncover a family history mystery over Christmas? Let us know - so many trips to take and ancestors to track down in 2026!