"About 168,000 original records will be available online under a new partnership between the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office (TAHO) and FamilySearch," according to a statement issued by Lin Thorp, Tasmania's Minister for Education and Skills.
The statement continues:
"Ms Thorp said the volunteer project, which will continue for around 12 months, would include registers of volunteers enrolled in the Southern Tasmanian Volunteer Artillery (1879 -1899); details of permanent officers of the public service (1905 -1947); lower court records (1847 -1900); gaol records (1890-1932); naturalisation records (1835 -1905) and land engine operation certificates (1890 -1919).
"To have these fantastic resources available online is of great importance to researchers interested in family history," she said.
The government's press release ads: "FamilySearch has been actively gathering, preserving and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. FamilySearch is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org."
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are among the most active genealogists in the world. FamilySearch is the largest free on-line ancestral research service in the world. To explore FamilySearch click here.