The event will be held at the Pyree Hall from 10am to 3pm and will be co-hosted by the Shoalhaven Family History Society (SFHS) and Shoalhaven Historical Society. 

Both groups said its shaping up to be an exciting inaugural event, with the emphasis on heritage arts and crafts, as well as historical interest. 

Two renowned speakers, Dr Paul Irish and Associate Professor Carol Liston will be sharing their knowledge in the old school at Pyree, which houses the SFHS library. 

Dr Irish will discuss his 2017 book, ‘Hidden in Plain View: The Aboriginal People of Coastal Sydney’, which shows that Aboriginal people never disappeared from Sydney in the 19^th century, as in often assumed. Instead they lived across colonial Sydney and interacted with its residents and economy, often in unexpected ways. 

They also travelled to nurture family connections along the coast beyond Sydney, including south to the Shoalhaven. 

Carol will be speaking on the subject of Land Records – the ultimate source for family and local historians. New South Wales land records are available online and the indexes are arranged alphabetically by surname and chronologically. This makes them a good source to trace people and their dreams of owning a farm or their own home. This presentation will show how to find these records and how to search them. 

For those wishing to expand their knowledge or book collection, the many groups inside the Pyree Hall will be only too pleases to answer your questions and help you on your way to finding those lost ancestors. 

Be entertained as you wander through the outside exhibits and displays, with music, a display of woodturning, beekeepers, and vintage vehicles to admire. If you are feeling a little peckish, the sausage sizzle and coffee van should satisfy. 

Entry to the fair is free. There is a fee of $2 to listen to each speaker. 

For more information contact the secretary via pyreeheritagefair@gmail.com or phone 0408 288 851.